12 Jan 11 NBA Trade Rumor: Utah's Ronnie Brewer To Memphis, Helps Both Teams

Al Bello/Getty ImagesAlthough the talk has died down a touch, there are still rumors that the Memphis Grizzlies will be players as the NBA trading deadline approaches.One of the biggest rumors is that Utah guard/forward Ronnie Brewer will be traded to Memphis. Memphis would send one of their three 2010 New York Giants jersey
first-round picks to Utah. Ryan gave a great summary of this deal from Utah's point of view .The Jazz says that it is looking for a first-round and, potentially, a second pick for Brewer. I like the idea of Brewer for the Grizzlies, but the idea of giving up another pick could be a little steep.But I believe Brewer would help Memphis in four ways:Point guard issue solved? If Brewer got inserted into the starting lineup, it would solve any point guard issues. O.J. Mayo would slide over to the point. Brewer would play 2-guard. I am not sure if Mayo would want to be point guard, but that would allow the five best players on the team to be on the floor at once.Bench depth Sending Conley to the bench, or having Brewer as the sixth man, would dramatically increase the team's back court depth. On a team with almost no depth, any addition would help.Brewer would not take away shots He has not taken more than nine shots in any game in January and so he would would not take shots from Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, etc.Three first-round draft picks are too much for MemphisLet's be honest, do you really believe that Memphis would pay rookie contracts to three players in one off-season?If they did, you know at least one would be a bust. So, it is better to get a reasonably decent player for one of those picks.One thing that mightNew York Jets jersey
complicate this deal is the playoff race.Utah and Memphis are currently dueling for a playoff spot. So would the Jazz be willing to help one of their competitors? Is their asking price for a player averaging 10 points a game too high?There are some hurdles that will keep this deal from happening. But the Grizzlies can complete this deal and not give up a current player.Utah gets a first-rounder (and maybe more) and Memphis gets a young guard to push for a playoff berth.