What a difference one year makes.

Twelve months ago at the NBA trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies were buyers when they acquired Luke Kennard to improve their shooting. There was also an expectation that center Steven Adams would return, and Xavier Tillman Sr. was starting at center.

Now, Memphis has the third-worst record in the Western Conference while dealing with a plethora of injuries that have gutted the roster. That shift in part resulted in the Grizzlies trading Adams to create roster flexibility heading into the offseason, and sending to Tillman to the Boston primarily for draft picks.

Adams and Tillman may have been the first dominos, but they aren't expected to be the last. Memphis could still use more roster flexibility heading into a crucial offseason where it will become a tax team.

Here some things to note ahead of Thursday’s 2 p.m. trade deadline.

Grizzlies players to watch

John Konchar: Konchar’s best skills shine when he’s on the floor with star power, but when players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are out, he’s not someone capable of picking up the scoring load. Konchar plays sound defense with solid rebounding and shooting. He could serve as a needle-mover for a playoff contender. The Celtics, Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks are teams to watch.

Ziaire Williams: A recent report from HoopsHype Insider Michael Scotto suggested that Memphis could move Williams for Detroit Pistons point guard Killian Hayes. Since Hayes is on an expiring contract, this or a similar move would make sense. Williams is owed $6.1 million next season. As a team currently protected to be in the first apron, Memphis could add an expiring contract to create a roster opening in the offseason while unloading Williams’ deal.

Luke Kennard: Kennard was brought to Memphis to improve the team’s shooting, but the situation hasn’t gone exactly as planned. Kennard has shot well, but the Grizzlies never got to see him share the floor with Adams in a game, plus he has rarely played with Morant. NBA teams will always covet shooting, and that’s what makes Kennard valuable. He also has a $14.7 million team option after the season. If Memphis picks up the option, it will likely be a first apron tax team. If the plan is to decline option, Memphis should make a trade now and get assets for the sharpshooter. Decisions.

NEXT MAN UP: Key injuries allowing Memphis Grizzlies to get extended look at youthful players

Update on Grizzlies trade assets

Before the Adams trade, the Grizzlies had two disabled player exceptions after season-ending injuries to Adams and Morant. The Adams DPE is gone now that he’s been traded, and the Grizzlies used the Morant DPE to acquire Victor Oladipo.

Memphis has multiple traded player exceptions to use at the trade deadline. A $7.5 million TPE remains from the Dillon Brooks sign-and-trade. The Grizzlies also created a $12.6 million TPE when they moved Adams. Both of those could be used to make a trade without having to send out matching salary.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies trade deadline primer: What to know about Memphis roster