Intriguing offseason awaits Memphis Grizzlies with NBA Draft, free agents, Ja Morant extension
Damichael ColeThe Memphis Grizzlies had one of their best and most entertaining NBA seasons after finishing 56-26 and losing in the second round of the Western Conference semifinals.
Now comes the challenge of what to do next. The Grizzlies are positioned to either allow their young core to grow organically while paying to keep it together, or they can go star-hunting and package admirable assets.
No matter what Memphis adds or subtracts, this is setting up to be one of the most important offseasons in franchise history. The team, city and front office all have championship aspirations.
Here’s an early outlook of keys to the Grizzlies’ offseason.
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Key roster decisions
The first and most obvious roster decision is signing point guard Ja Morant to a long-term extension. He should be the first player in Grizzlies franchise history to earn a max contract extension. A five-year max extension could range from $181 million to $217 million depending on Morant making an All-NBA team. Forward Brandon Clarke is also extension eligible and viewed as one of the core pieces. After a bounce-back season, Clarke may bet on himself to have a bigger role and earn a larger payday next offseason, or the Grizzlies could take a swing by jumping in front and paying him now at a good value.
Guard Tyus Jones and forward Kyle Anderson are the key free agents. Both played major roles in the Grizzlies having one of the NBA’s best bench units. Anderson was one of the more vocal veterans on the second youngest roster in the NBA, and made his biggest impact as a versatile defender. Jones will be one of the best free-agent point guards available and could be pricey to keep. The Grizzlies do have his bird rights, which means they can pay him more money than any other team. With forward Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s extension set to kick in next season and Morant primed for the max, the Grizzlies may have a certain number in mind they don’t want to surpass when it comes to bringing back Jones.
Draft capital
The Los Angeles Lakers' first-round pick was the most talked about for the Grizzlies, but the ship has all but sailed after the Lakers plateaued down the Western Conference standings. Memphis still has two first-round picks and three total in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies are expected to pick 22nd and 29th in the first round. It’s hard to imagine the Grizzlies keeping two in the back end of the first round, so this positions Memphis to either package picks to acquire a player or move up the draft board.
Trade or not?
The Grizzlies will have two veteran players - center Steven Adams and guard/forward Dillon Brooks - on expiring contracts next season. This would make them the easiest and most logical trade chips if Memphis wants to swing big. Adams and Brooks are combined to make around $29.3 million. Each player had a major role with this season’s team, but they also proved to be expendable. Memphis went on two of its best winning streaks while Brooks was hurt, and Adams had a reduced postseason role in the postseason. Backup guard De’Anthony Melton is also an enticing name because he produced in bigger roles and has an admirable contract.
There are other players on the roster who may make more sense from a talent perspective as trade pieces, but Melton, Brooks and Adams have contracts that are easy to move and can create the space for the Grizzlies to make a big acquisition.
Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc