Grizzlies Re-Tool: Gordon & Niang Traded Amidst Deadline Moves

The Memphis Grizzlies have made it clear they are retooling by acting as a salary-dump team at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Eric Gordon was traded to the Grizzlies from the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that did not involve Philadelphia acquiring any players in return. This move allowed the 76ers to shed Gordon's $2.2 million salary from his one-year contract.

Georges Niang, another former 76er, was also sent to the Grizzlies. This move occurred as part of a larger trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz. Niang, aged 32, was promptly waived by Memphis upon his arrival, as he was not expected to play for the team.

Niang has been sidelined this season due to a setback. His brief tenure in Utah did not result in significant impact on the young roster. Last season, Niang played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 8.7 points and shooting 40 percent from three. He was later traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he averaged 12.1 points per game with a 41 percent three-point efficiency.

It remains uncertain what Niang's next steps will be. However, his proven ability as a three-point shooter suggests he could join a team on a minimum contract if he becomes healthy. Eric Gordon, meanwhile, played only six games for the Sixers this season, averaging 5.5 points while shooting 57 percent from the field.