The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t just dip a toe into the trade deadline waters-they dove in headfirst, signaling a clear pivot toward a retooling phase. In the final hours before the 2026 NBA trade deadline, Memphis emerged as a key facilitator, absorbing contracts and moving pieces in a way that suggests they’re thinking more about future flexibility than short-term wins.
One of the more notable names to land in Memphis was veteran guard Eric Gordon, acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in a salary-clearing move. The Sixers, looking to shed Gordon’s $2.2 million salary, didn’t take back any players in return.
For Philly, it was about cap space and roster flexibility. For Memphis, it was another step in a deadline strategy that leaned heavily into being a landing spot for expendable contracts.
But Gordon wasn’t the only name Memphis took on. Forward Georges Niang also made a brief stop in Tennessee-emphasis on brief.
Niang came over from the Utah Jazz in the same blockbuster deal that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to Salt Lake City, a move that turned plenty of heads. For Memphis, Niang was never part of the long-term picture.
The 32-year-old was waived almost immediately after the trade was finalized.
It’s been a tough stretch for Niang, who’s been dealing with an injury that’s kept him off the floor for much of the season. His return to Utah-where he had some of his best years-looked like a potential feel-good story, but he never found his rhythm with the Jazz’s young core. Now, after another short stint that didn’t include any playing time, he’s back on the open market.
Looking back at Niang’s recent stops, there’s still reason to believe he can contribute when healthy. Last season, he began the year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, playing in 51 games and averaging 8.7 points while knocking down 40 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. That kind of floor spacing is always in demand.
At the 2025 trade deadline, Niang was moved to the Atlanta Hawks, where he saw an uptick in both minutes and production. In 28 games with Atlanta, he averaged 12.1 points in 23 minutes per game, shooting a scorching 41 percent from three. That stretch reminded teams of what Niang can bring to the table as a veteran sharpshooter.
His journey didn’t stop there. Over the summer, Atlanta sent him to Boston, and the Celtics later flipped his contract to Utah.
Now, with Memphis waiving him, Niang could be a candidate for a minimum deal down the stretch-if he’s healthy and ready to contribute. For teams looking to bolster their bench with a proven shooter, he’s a name to keep an eye on.
As for Gordon, his time in Philadelphia comes to a quiet end. After a solid 2024-25 campaign where he averaged 6.8 points per game and shot 40 percent from deep, Gordon declined his player option last summer, only to re-sign with the Sixers on a slightly higher salary.
But this season never really got off the ground for him. He appeared in just six games, averaging 5.5 points while shooting an efficient 57 percent from the field.
Now in Memphis, it remains to be seen whether Gordon will suit up for the Grizzlies or follow a similar path as Niang. Either way, the message from Memphis is loud and clear: this team is shifting gears, prioritizing flexibility and future assets over short-term gains.
It’s a classic reset move-one that could set the stage for bigger things ahead.