The Memphis Grizzlies were cut out of what was originally a three-team deal sending Trevor Ariza from the Suns to the Wizards over confusion over which Brooks — MarShon or Dillon — the Grizz would be sending Phoenix’s way.
Ultimately, the Suns and Wizards just went ahead with a deal that saw Washington send the same package originally meant for Memphis to Phoenix, with Austin Rivers and Kelly Oubre Jr. headed west. However, it was reported on Monday night that the Suns would be waiving Rivers, allowing him to pursue a contract with a contender rather than wallow in misery with the hapless Suns.
In a somewhat hilarious turn of events, Rivers will be headed to Memphis after all, as The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports the Grizzlies will land the veteran point guard without having to give up anything.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1075106580977205248
It’s fairly hilarious that after all of the tomfoolery of Saturday night’s trade debacle, Memphis will arguably come out ahead when they were the ones cut out of the deal (depending on your feelings about Rivers). The Grizzlies don’t get Oubre, but they get the point guard help they want while holding on to Dillon Brooks (and MarShon, for that matter) and get to bring him in at the vet minimum.
As for Phoenix, nothing about this deal makes a ton of sense, but then again, that’s been the case with Suns basketball for years.
Update: Charania’s report might’ve been a bit premature as there is no offer on the table, and Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian reports he’s hearing the Grizzlies will not be signing him.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1075127730520256512
Now hearing from a source that the Grizzlies will not be signing Austin Rivers.
— Chris Herrington (@ChrisHerrington) December 18, 2018
