4. John Konchar
The start of the season did not go as planned for the Grizzlies. Ja Morant was suspended for the first 25 games, and Memphis managed to win just six times. The star guard hit the game-winner in his return, but can his team dig out of the massive hole? They are 6.5 games out of tenth and 8.5 behind sixth in the Western Conference on the morning of Dec. 21.
If the Grizzlies cannot close the gap by the trade deadline, they could become sellers. Memphis believes they can contend next season, but may try to make moves around the edges. Boston could come knocking for a skilled role player that boosts their title odds.
The Ringer’s Michael Pina detailed John Knochar’s fit in Beantown in a recent piece and even called him a “Poor Man’s Derrick White”. Fair or not, Konchar would give the Celtics another steady shooter and defender off the bench capable of playing 15 to 25 minutes per game.
The 6’5 wing has struggled in Memphis this season and starts a three-year $18.5 million extension in 2024. The Grizzlies could look to move on and give Boston a shot at buying low on a rotation piece. The 27-year-old is in his prime and could play his best basketball surrounded by the talented Celtics.