How the front office should handle two situations before the NBA trade deadline

The clock is ticking towards the NBA trade deadline, and for Tuomas Iisal’s broken Memphis Grizzliesthis season’s calculation is uniquely complex. With the specter of Ja Morant’s injury-riddled availability and levels of long-term commitment hanging over every decision, President of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman operates in the space between the present and the future. What the Grizzlies are working with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Oliver-Mackenzie Proper could be the next big signal being sent to fans and players anticipating an NBA playoff run.

Prospero’s story reads like a classic NBA underdog story. The 23-year-old Montreal native, selected 24th overall by the Sacramento Kings (2023), bounced to the Dallas Mavericks in the draft. He landed in Memphis on a two-way deal in September after being waived this summer. Prosper has bounced between the NBA roster and the G League’s Memphis Hustle so far this season. His stats (averaging four points and two rebounds in just 8.4 minutes over nine appearances) don’t scream stardom, but digging deeper reveals a player tailor-made for a team in crisis mode.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has value

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the archetypal “winner,” a defensive stalwart capable of guarding elite perimeter threats and a reliable low-usage three-point shooter. The perfect complement to Morant’s strong performance and the play of Jaren Jackson Jr., Caldwell-Pope’s value is now two-fold.

First, the NBA champion provides a measure of professional stability and defensive integrity for a team trying to salvage its season. The 32-year-old’s presence in the lineup sets the standard for young players and keeps the core tenet of Grit and Grind Grizzlies basketball intact. Second, and perhaps more critical to the front office, his value on the trade market is significant. Competing teams are constantly on the lookout for exactly what Caldwell-Pope offers: proven three-and-D prowess on a manageable contract.

Kleiman must perform a cold-eyed assessment. Does keeping Caldwell-Pope late in the season for tournament positioning outweigh the potential return of a future first-round pick or promising young player? The argument for trading him is asset maximization. Leveraging his value now could supplement the team’s starting cap or add another young piece to grow with the core.

The most likely and prudent course is to listen carefully to the offers. If a compelling deal emerges that bolsters the team’s future flexibility and asset base, Kleiman must pull the trigger. If not, Caldwell-Pope remains a valuable mentor, in the offseason and perhaps, if necessary, a ready-made starter for next season’s opening night. That’s enough leverage to land a protected first-round pick or promising young prospects. Settling for a few second-round picks and an expiring contract would be a decent deal.

Memphis may need someone to step into those minutes after the deal, especially if the season turns south. GG Jackson failed to do so, as he spent more time on the G-League field than in Tuomas Iisal’s rotations.

Oliver-Mackenzie Proper drops out

Where Caldwell-Pope is a known quantity, Prosper is pure potential. Acquired on a two-way deal just days after being waived by the Dallas Mavericks, Olivier-Maxens Prosper represents a low-risk, high-reward flyer. He’s an athletic, long defender with a developed offensive game, exactly the type of project the Grizzlies have historically valued. The 21-year-old forward was a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA draft, but never found a consistent role in Dallas. Basically, a cheaper GG Jackson.

Prospero’s situation is a test of the organization’s development patience and its own trading value. In the midst of an evaluation-focused season, he must be given a legitimate opportunity to prove he belongs in the team’s long-term plans. That means consistent minutes, even through mistakes, to see if his defensive versatility and energy can translate into a meaningful role. His athleticism is a tangible asset missing from this current roster.

The Feb. 6 trade deadline is coming up fast. By then, Kleiman will have a much clearer picture of what this season can be and what moves, if any, make sense. But for now, with Morant on the shelf and the season hanging in the balance, it’s wise to let both situations develop organically. Don’t rush any decision. Get the most out of Caldwell-Pope’s experience and Prospero’s potential during these critical weeks. Once the Grizzlies cash in on KCP, Proper should be ready for a bench role in the NBA.

The Grizzlies can’t afford to make reactive moves on the back of a disastrous 4-10 start. Kleiman has built his reputation on strategic patience. These next two months will test whether that philosophy still applies when the franchise’s championship aspirations are on life support.