He may not have been a lottery pick, but there was a lot of hype about Walter Clayton Jr. at this time last year. The Utah Jazz not only drafted him, but they traded up to get him following his heroics that turned him into an NCAA legend. Well, one year later, not only is Clayton on his second team, but there's a chance he might not be there for opening night.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported that because the Grizzlies have to trim their roster, they are exploring Clayton's trade market, along with GG Jackson.
"I'm told, however, that the Grizzlies have been exploring potential trade markets for GG Jackson II and Walter Clayton Jr. Which is quite a turn from Memphis' original stance on Clayton.
"Back in February, when the Grizzlies were negotiating their return in the blockbuster Jaren Jackson Jr. trade with Utah, sources say Memphis valued Clayton quite highly."
It was confirmed by Fischer last month that Clayton was among their waive candidates, and now they have to decide whether to trade him away or simply eat what's left of his rookie contract. No one in Utah is rooting against Clayton, but it is a relief that it never got to this point with the Jazz when it absolutely could have been.
Clayton proving not to be an NBA-caliber player could have been an issue in Utah. He didn't light the world on fire as a Jazzman, but he still had enough value that Memphis gladly took him in the JJJ deal. Them having buyer's remorse already makes the Jazz look pretty smart right about now.
It's ironic that even if it was worth parting ways with Clayton to get their hands on Jaren Jackson Jr., that didn't make it easy at the time, and now, the script has flipped to the point suddenly parting ways with Clayton is quite easy for Memphis. That is, if they find a new home for him.
Hopefully it's not over for Clayton yet
Utah can't complain about what they have in JJJ, and this new report about Clayton only strengthens the argument that they took care of a problem before it became one. However, no one is necessarily gloating about Clayton's opportunities running out.
Whether he makes his current team or not, it seems as though Memphis isn't exactly too high on him going forward. If they decide to part ways with the Jazz alum, hopefully he'll get a fresh start. That's odd to say about someone who has played a grand total of one NBA season. Not to mention an NBA sophomore who is 23 years old.
It's also possible he simply just doesn't fit with the style the Grizzlies want to play and could fit better elsewhere. Miami - who Fischer also reported as a potential Clayton destination - has a track record of getting the most out of low-value players, so never say never for Clayton.
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