6 Players the Celtics may replace Payton Pritchard with by the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
5. John Konchar
Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension to begin the season put the Grizzlies in a difficult position. They have made the playoffs three straight years but had just six victories when their star guard returned to the lineup. Memphis has won six of nine since but is still 5.5 games back of tenth in the West.
The Grizzlies could be sellers at the deadline, and the franchise may look to trade Konchar. He starts a three-year $18.4 million extension next season but is playing just 16.8 minutes per game. Memphis has drafted several wings in recent years, and they could look to move on from Konchar to open up more playing time for their young talent.
The 27-year-old is a career 36.8 percent 3-point shooter, who rebounds well and can guard multiple positions. He is comfortable coming off the bench and playing 20 minutes per game. The 6’5 wing will make shots, grab rebounds, and defend.
The Boston Celtics have been linked to John Konchar several times. He is making just $2.4 million this season, and the franchise may be able to acquire him without giving up Payton Pritchard or any of their rotation pieces. They need the Grizzlies to become sellers, but this is a move to watch if that happens.