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Countdown: 2015 NBA Free-Agency Begins Tonight

By Christian Dudley

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Feb 22, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) looks to make a pass around Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) and center Kosta Koufos (41) at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies are preparing for the beginning of a majorly important free-agency period featuring several of their fan base’s favorites.

The Memphis Grizzlies have known that they will be forced to make some big decisions this offseason. The majority of those choices will be able to be constructed beginning tonight at 12:01 A.M. Eastern Time (11:01 P.M. Central Daylight Time for Memphians).

In regard to Marc Gasol, this much has been made known: the New York Knicks have already pulled out of the sweepstakes, the Los Angeles Lakers have been cut by Big Spain himself, and the San Antonio Spurs quickly redirected their sights to LaMarcus Aldridge–the free-agent that is clearly looking for a change of scenery. This all adds up to one thing: Marc Gasol is returning to Memphis for more grit-‘n’-grind basketball.

For further evidence, take a look at this series of events (or rather, series of reports):

It is only a matter of how soon after the 12:01 A.M. (Eastern Time) opening of free-agency the Memphis Grizzlies will receive a verbal commitment from the big Spaniard. I believe it will be any time during the morning hours of July 1st. Barring any unforeseen hiccup, it will be so great to see Marc sign on for additional years in his home away from home–the 901. As the Grizzlies have stated…Marc is MEMPHIS.

Aside from the No. 1 issue for the Memphis Grizzlies in free-agency, they will also need to solidify a backup center for the roster as they head into the 2015-16 season. Kosta Koufos was that guy in 2014-15, but it could easily become a bidding war for his services–one that could instantly knock the Grizzlies out of contention for the 7’0″ reserve defenseman. I do not see the Grizz throwing money leisurely for players that will be utilized to complete their bench.

If “Rolla Kosta” opts to head to a different destination (A.K.A. a larger payday), what will be the Grizzlies’ next form of action?

Here are some realistic options in free-agency that Memphis could pursue to fill the need:

Unrestricted Free-Agents

Restricted Free-Agents

One the Memphis Grizzlies address their need of a reserve center–preferably a defensive-minded player that can block shots and protect the rim–they may very well direct their sights toward the unrestricted point guard crop. With Nick Calathes almost inevitably gone, veteran depth at the PG position will be another form of need. There will be a plethora of guys for the Grizzlies’ choosing if they do in fact go after a backup point. This such move may not transpire until after the Orlando Summer League once Grizz officials see how much their youth has developed in a year’s time.

What areas do you, Grizz Nation, believe the Memphis Grizzlies should address this offseason? Have any specific players’ names in mind? Let us know your thoughts!

Continue to check out the latest NBA free-agency news and rumors regarding your Memphis Grizzlies only on Beale Street Bears!

Go Grizz!

Next: The Memphis Grizzlies began a campaign directed toward Marc Gasol's free-agency plans?

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