Report: Grizzlies interested in Heat's Deng, Celtics' Green

With other Western Conference and Southwest Division contenders making moves recently, the Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly looking to shake things up themselves.

Following the Dallas Mavericks' acquisition of Rajon Rondo and the Houston Rockets' signing of Josh Smith, ESPN's Marc Stein reported late Wednesday night that "it has become clear the Grizzlies are intent on upgrading their wing rotation before the (trade) deadline."

Specifically, citing league sources, Stein reports that the Grizzlies are actively trying to acquire either Miami Heat small forward Luol Deng or Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green, with Tayshaun Prince's expiring contract and draft picks the likely compensation.

Deng signed a two-year, $19.9 million deal with the Heat in July, but with Miami, 15-20, looking like an afterthought in the weak Eastern Conference, it might not be that far-fetched for the team to pursue future assets.

Deng is averaging 14.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 33 games with the Heat. The 29-year-old is shooting 50 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range, as he's posting a career-high Effective Field Goal Percentage of 55.3 in his 11th season.

Deng is also the better and more consistent defender between the two.

Green, meanwhile, is averaging 17.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists on an underwhelming Effective Field Goal Percentage of 48.3 for the 12-21 Celtics, who clearly remain in rebuilding mode with the recent trading of Rondo.

Green has a $9.2 million player option for next season.

The Grizzlies, 25-10, sit first-place in the Southwest Division and third-place in the Western Conference after Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Courtney Lee is playing the best basketball of his career while filling the shooting guard position in Memphis, but the team would be well served to solidify the small forward position, which is filled by Prince, defensive specialist Tony Allen and Vince Carter.