Report: Grizzlies trade for center
The back half of the Grizzlies' roster continues to be a work in progress, as Memphis reportedly made another minor trade. This time, reports have forward Jarell Martin and cash considerations traded to Orlando in exchange for Dakari Johnson and the rights to Orlando's 2015 second-round pick, Tyler Harvey. The deal was first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 22-year-old Johnson, who averaged fewer than two points and a rebound per game in 31 appearances for Oklahoma City last season, had just been traded to Orlando on Friday. Now, just days later, he finds himself in transit yet again.
The Grizzlies are motivated to make this move for a couple of reasons. First, the move would get them just under the NBA's $123.7 million luxury tax line, a line they would have crossed once they complete the impending signing of another Orlando player, Shelvin Mack. Johnson is slated to make about $1.1 million less this season than Martin, thus helping the Grizzlies squeeze under the tax mark.
Second, the Grizzlies ended up with a glut of players who can play power forward, while the Magic wanted to bolster their power forward depth. Martin's minutes figured to be squeezed this season in Memphis, and with one year left on his
deal and no long-term plans for the player, he was expendable in a salary-conscious move like this one.
Meanwhile, the 7-foot Johnson could find himself playing a little in Memphis, as he's a more traditional center. While the Grizzlies have all those potential power forwards, true centers other than Marc Gasol aren't to be found on the roster. Johnson fills the backup true center role vacated by Deyonta Davis' departure in a trade last week.