Report: Memphis Grizzlies interested in Jeff Green

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According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Memphis Grizzlies are looking for perimeter help and are interested in acquiring Celtics forward Jeff Green.

The Grizzlies, 25-10, are also interested in Miami Heat forward Luol Deng, says Stein. However, the Heat are not sure if they want to trade Deng. If Memphis can't swing a deal for Deng, they will settle for Green instead.

The Celtics are definitely interested in trading Green.

Reports say that Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been looking to trade Green and forward Brandon Bass for a while now, but wants a first round pick in return. Green probably won't bring in a first round pick. But will most likely be dealt by the end of January or right before the February 19 trade deadline.

The Grizzlies could use a player like Green. He's flexible, plays both forward positions, and would strengthen their bench. Memphis, currently third in the Western Conference, has championship aspirations and will pursue a trade for Green if Miami doesn't part with Deng.

If Memphis does make a deal, forward Tayshaun Prince will most likely be involved. Prince has an expiring $7.7 million contract. Green also has an expiring contract but holds a player option at $9.2 million for 2015-16.

Green has averaged a career-high 17.6 points per game. Just last month Green boosted his average to nearly 20 points but that average has gone down ever since Rajon Rondo was traded. Because of Green's scoring boost, he will most likely waive his player option this summer for a bigger contract.

Although Green has said repeatedly that he wants to be a Celtic and doesn't want to be traded, Ainge doesn't want to risk losing Green without getting anything in return.

As the rebuilding phase continues, the Celtics will continue to trade away their assets for draft picks and bench players. Get ready to see Green, their best asset, be dealt away for another pair of Jae Crowder-Brandan Wright type guys and second round picks. Unfortunately, Green's stock just isn't high enough to bring in a player who the Celtics can confidently say is part of their future.



Josue Pavon
Twitter: @Joe_Sway10