Should the Memphis Grizzlies be involved in the Jaylen Brown/Giannis trade speculation?

Locked On Grizzlies - Daily Podcast On The Memphis Grizzlies33mJune 15, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

The Memphis Grizzlies are not in a position to pursue a blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown, despite the allure of adding an elite wing to their roster. Hosts Joe Mullinex and DeMichael Cole argue that while Brown would make the Grizzlies a top-tier Western Conference team in a hypothetical scenario, the timing is fundamentally wrong. The team is in the midst of a deliberate rebuild, having already shed key pieces like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The core philosophy, they stress, is patience: the Grizzlies must first evaluate their young core—Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jalen Wells—before making a move that could derail their long-term plan. The hosts warn that rushing to acquire a max-contract player like Brown, who earns $65 million in his final season, would be a sign of desperation, not strategy. They contrast Memphis' situation with the Washington Wizards, who are rebuilding from the bottom, and point to the New York Knicks' championship as proof that success comes not from copying a small point guard archetype, but from culture, leadership, and roster construction around a winner like Jalen Brunson. The episode ultimately champions a measured approach: let the young players develop, assess what the team truly has, and only then consider a championship push.

Key Takeaways
1

Do not trade for a max-contract player like Jaylen Brown until you've evaluated your young core and confirmed you're a championship contender.

2

The Grizzlies are in a rebuild phase and should prioritize player development over short-term fixes.

3

Jalen Brunson's success with the Knicks stems from leadership and sacrifice, not just size or position—making him a unique case, not a template.

4

A small point guard can win, but only if the roster is built around them with multiple 'jumbo wings' and defensive versatility.

5

The Grizzlies' draft strategy should focus on high-upside, high-risk picks like Nate Ament at #16 to complement safer selections like Cameron Boozer.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
1:02
4 min

The Jaylen Brown Trade Hypothesis: Is It Real?

The hosts open with the hot topic: could the Memphis Grizzlies be involved in a hypothetical trade for Jaylen Brown? They acknowledge the buzz but stress it's purely speculative and unlikely to happen.

4:54
4 min

Why Now Is Not the Time for a Big Move

You don't make that move right now if you're the Grizzlies. Desperation comes. I think the Washington Wizards are a good example of desperation.

Highlight
9:00
3 min

The Financial and Strategic Cost of a Brown Trade

The hosts break down Brown's massive contract—$65 million in his final year—and explain why pairing it with Ja Morant's salary would require trading away key assets like Santi Aldama.

11:51
7 min

The Real Lesson from the Knicks' Championship

Jalen Brunson is not something that we should deem is pretty repeatable... He's one of one.

Highlight
18:55
7 min

Building Around a Small Point Guard: The Knicks Blueprint

The hosts dissect the Knicks' roster strategy—using jumbo wings, rim protectors, and versatile defenders to compensate for Brunson’s size—and argue it’s not replicable without the right pieces.

High-Impact Quotes
Like Jalen Brunson is not something that we should deem is pretty repeatable from the standpoint of what he's done as a player.
DeMichael Cole19:00
You don't make that move right now if you're the Grizzlies. Desperation comes. I think the Washington Wizards are a good example of desperation.
DeMichael Cole7:36
to me this is more that particular team earned it. I don't see it as an NBA trend.
DeMichael Cole22:26
Speakers

Hosts

Joe MullinexDeMichael Cole
Topics Discussed
memphis grizzlies rebuild95%nba trade speculation90%nba draft strategy88%jaylen brown trade85%grizzlies draft picks82%jalen brunson nba finals80%small point guard success75%nba championship culture70%
People & Brands

memphis grizzlies

organization

25xNeutral

jalen brunson

person

18xPositive

new york knicks

organization

15xPositive

jaylen brown

person

12xNeutral

no ceilings

organization

8xNeutral

cedric coward

person

7xNeutral

locked on podcast network

organization

6xPositive

zach edey

person

5xNeutral

giannis antetokounmpo

person

5xNeutral

nate ament

person

5xNeutral

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