The initial improvements of the 2022 offseason have been made by two contenders in their respective leagues. Concerning the former’s 23rd selection in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies entered into a deal.
In exchange for DeAnthony Melton, Philly is handing the Grizzlies the 23rd selection and Danny Green. Top contenders the 76ers and the Grizzlies both had their seasons end in the second round. Both clubs missed the Conference Finals last season because of injuries to their best players, Joel Embiid and Ja Morant. They are now hopeful that these small steps toward improvement would help them over this hurdle.
DeAnthony Melton Traded For Danny Green And 23rd Selection
Last season, the Sixers perhaps had their greatest shot to win a championship. They were an immediate threat in the Eastern Conference after trading for James Harden and Tyrese Maxey. However, following Embiid’s unlucky injury against the Raptors in the first round, they were eliminated from contention by the Miami Heat. DeAnthony Melton will provide support to the 76ers.
On the other side, the Grizzlies soared to the summit of the Western Conference the year before. But when they faced the Golden State Warriors, their inexperience came back to haunt them. With Danny Green, they want to bolster their locker room with some seasoned voices through this deal with the Sixers. DeAnthony Melton will likely join Maxey and Harden in the Sixers’ loaded guard lineup. He will probably act as the team’s backup for the standout pair.
As the off-season picks up steam, we will see whether the team makes any other moves. Even though the Sixers do not hold a second-round pick, getting a guy who can contribute immediately makes this a successful draught night for Morey and co. Matisse Thybulle and many other players whose names have been mentioned in trade speculations are still on the squad as of right now.
