Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings was probably the best way to summarize the 2023-24 Memphis Grizzlies experience. Eleven of the team’s 15 players on standard contracts did not play due to injuries. Memphis battled, but ultimately fell short.

Four of the Grizzlies’ preseason projected starters are sidelined with long-term injuries. The chances of winning a championship this season have all but vanished, but they still have an opportunity to set a strong foundation going forward.

The trade deadline is 2 p.m. CT on Feb. 8. Memphis could use this period to build assets going forward into the offseason.

In order to gain something, it will have to give something up. While that could be players, the long list of injuries has created several avenues for the Grizzlies to explore upgrading the roster at the deadline.

Grizzlies' hardship exception

The Grizzlies' dire injury situation led to the NBA approving three injury hardship exceptions so the team could sign players to 10-day contracts. The Grizzlies recently added Matthew Hurt, Trey Jemison and Tosan Evbuomwan.

Having access to hardship exceptions protects the Grizzlies in the event of a trade. The NBA requires teams to have at least eight players available for a game, and Memphis had exactly that number on Monday. If any of the current players who aren’t injured are traded, the Grizzlies now have more depth to satisfy league requirements.

Disabled player exception options

Memphis can do some roster gymnastics at the deadline that would set the team up for an eventful offseason if it chooses. With Xavier Tillman Sr. the only current player expected to be a free agent, the Grizzlies will have one roster spot open. With a first-round pick that should be valuable and GG Jackson on a two-way contract, that’s simply not enough.

Season-ending Injuries to Steven Adams and Ja Morant led to the Grizzlies being awarded disabled player exceptions. The Adams one is $6.3 million, while Morant's is $12.4 million. If the Grizzlies sign a player using this option, they would need to create an open roster spot. That player also would need to be a free agent at the end of the season because Morant and Adams are expected to return for the 2024-25 season.

The trade deadline comes into play here if Memphis opts to shed roster spots by trading players for a minimal return that could create a roster opening. With that opening, using the disabled player exception should net a decent player for this season while also allowing the Grizzlies to remain flexible for the offseason.

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Traded player exception

How can the Grizzlies shed salary without potentially taking fewer players than trading away? Well, that’s where a traded player exception gained from the Dillon Brooks offseason sign-and-trade comes into play.

Memphis should have a TPE estimated to be about $7 million available. This option allows the Grizzlies to take on more salary than trading away. Using the TPE, which would expire after the season, also could set the Grizzlies up with more roster flexibility.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What Memphis Grizzlies' best choices are ahead of NBA trade deadline