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Memphis Grizzlies: It’s time to blow it up, trade Marc Gasol

By Michael Saenz

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)
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) /
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It’s time for the Memphis Grizzlies to blow it up and begin a full rebuild; that means trading Marc Gasol

It’s difficult to pinpoint where exactly it all began to crumble for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Maybe it was when they inked Mike Conley to the richest NBA deal (at the time) during the summer of 2016. Or maybe it was when they decided to sign Chandler Parsons without requiring him to pass a physical. Perhaps it was firing Dave Fizdale a couple weeks ago.

Who knows? One thing’s for sure, though, and it’s that the Grizzlies are at a crossroad.

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And at this point, it might actually make more sense for the team to blow it all up and rebuild rather than to continue to act like everything’s OK when it isn’t. A complete rebuild means trading Marc Gasol, their greatest asset on the active roster.

Memphis has made seven straight postseasons, but has lost in the first round and has only won two playoff games during the last two seasons.

This season, the Grizzlies are 9-21, tied for the third worst record in the NBA. Mike Conley has missed the last 17 games and will reportedly miss at least two more weeks, but probably more.

The Grizzlies are no longer at their peak with this current core, and haven’t been for quite a while. But, as often is the case in sports, the Grizzlies have realized this too late.

Question is, what now?

If Memphis resigns to the fact that this core has been exhausted, then it’s time to rebuild. Gasol needs to be the first domino to fall. And if the Grizzlies can move him for the coveted 2018 Brooklyn pick, or something comparable, that’d be a win.

After that, Conley should be shut down for the season. There’s no point in forcing him back. If he’s hurt, and he clearly is, he should be allowed to recover completely. There’s no point in him coming back this season. The Grizzlies have fallen into a big hole and likely can’t recover, especially if Conley misses another month – Memphis is 2-16 without Conley in the lineup this season.

The Parsons contract is something that the Grizzlies will likely have to eat. He’s one of the most untradeable players in the league right now.

Must Read: NBA Rumors: 8 big names that could be moved before the NBA Trade Deadline

Let’s also not forget that the Grizzlies have to find a new long term answer at the head coach position. Firing Fizdale was a terrible move, especially if the reason they decided to move on from is because of Marc Gasol.

The Memphis Grizzlies are in need of huge changes. And whether they’re willing to admit it or not, it appears that a full rebuild is on the horizon.

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