Brandan Wright did not get moved during the 2018 NBA trade deadline and has now been set free by the struggling Grizzlies. Wright has already found a new home as the Houston Rockets stepped up to the plate and convinced him to come on board for their upcoming playoff push. Wright will add depth to the frontcourt that already includes Clint Capela, Ryan Anderson, and Nene.
Shams Charania was the first to report the news:
Wright has averaged 5 points, and 3.4 rebounds per game for Memphis this year. Wright has only seen game action in 27 games this season and was on an expiring contract. Now the Grizzlies can give extended time to young guns Deyonta Davis and 2017 second-round pick Ivan Rabb. Memphis has been unwilling to move their star player Marc Gasol, but the time could be coming soon with Memphis on the verge of undergoing a full rebuild. Wright was in the final year of a three-year, $18 million deal. Sadly, Wright came to Memphis in a deal with the Celtics that gave Boston another valuable first-round pick in what seems to be a never-ending trove of assets.
Houston will add another depth piece which is crucial for Houston. The Rockets have had health concerns this year as James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela are among players that have missed multiple games this year. Wright, 30, gives the Rockets another scoring punch that can put it in the hole down in the low post. Wright has injury concerns of his own going down with a groin injury earlier in the season.
Wright can provide some shot blocking and a 6-foot-10 big who can run the floor in the D’Antoni system. The Rockets are still a tier below the Warriors but Wright possible helps them. Houston’s bench has unreal depth which could be the one advantage they have over Golden State.
