In need of an upgrade at the small forward position, the Memphis Grizzlies reportedly are "actively" trying to trade for the Miami Heat's Luol Deng or the Boston Celtics' Jeff Green.
Memphis looks bound for the postseason, and they're reportedly looking to improve their chances by adding a scoring option at the 3-position.
"The Memphis Grizzlies, looking to bolster their scoring options on the wing in the ever-competitive Western Conference, are actively trying to obtain Miami's Luol Deng or Boston's Jeff Green ahead of the Feb. 19 trade deadline, according to league sources," ESPN's Marc Stein wrote Thursday. "No deal is imminent, sources said, but it has become clear that the Grizzlies are intent on upgrading their wing rotation."
Stein added it's uncertain how willing Miami is to part with Deng, although a report on Dec. 29 from Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler said Heat president Pat Riley was making Deng available for the right price.
As for Green, he's been the subject of trade rumors for multiple seasons. He has a player option for next season, but he's unlikely to fit into Boston's long-term plans, which goes along with the number of reports that have claimed Boston has him on the block.
Memphis, though, could have trouble prying either player from their respective teams. The Grizzlies aren't loaded on assets, and their 2015 first-round pick belongs to the Cleveland Cavaliers barring a massive midseason collapse. According to Stein, Memphis' best assets are Tayshaun Prince's $7.7 million expiring contract and the promise of future draft picks.
The Los Angeles Clippers also reportedly are searching for a small forward, but they have even less to offer than Memphis.
