NBA: 5 most under-the-radar storylines of 2017-18

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MEMPHIS, TN – MAY 09: Mike Conley #11 and Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrate against the Golden State Warriors during Game three of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 9, 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

That guy’s good, right!?!…right…?

Quick: your favorite team has just traded for Marc Gasol after the Grizzlies did an about-face. You know there’s a first rounder going their way, but the protections are complicated. You’ve also given up a mildly interesting young player who has shown signs of progress recently but is far from a sure thing, as well as a bunch of expiring salary. What is your gut reaction to the trade?

You’re happy, right? I mean, it’s Marc Gasol…he’s, like, really good, yeah? I mean, sure he hasn’t been as good as his peak, but the motivation hasn’t been there lately… and he makes a boatload of money…and he’s probably opting into the last year of his deal, which is during his age-35 season, and…what were the protections on that pick again?

Gasol is just one example of something that happens every year but seems to be especially prevalent this season: the uncertain value of high-profile guys across the league.

Gasol’s teammate Mike Conley falls into this category as well. I’ve heard intelligent basketball people talk about the haul Memphis would demand if it ever decided to move Conley, and other, just as intelligent basketball people talk about the contract being virtually unmovable because of the dollars and length.

The best example is everyone’s favorite punching bag, Blake Griffin. Is he a foundational piece? Or do the Clippers wish they had a do-over? Again, if your favorite team got Griffin for expiring salaries and a second round pick swap, you’d be…ecstatic? Bewildered? Mildly perturbed? Devastated? There’s no right or wrong answer, and it definitely depends on the situation.

There are lesser names making big money that fall into this category…the Dallas duo of Harrison Barnes and Wesley Matthews. Tyson Chandler’s name gets tossed around now and then. Enes Kanter’s name is even slowly creeping itself into this conversation (as long as you don’t watch his defense without Kristaps Porzingis on the floor).

The conversation is particularly interesting because there are several teams – particularly ones in the East – who feel like they’re an upgrade away from talking themselves into contention. Where is that upgrade going to come from, and what will teams give up for a guy who might not be a value on his current deal?