5 Offseason Priorities for the Memphis Grizzlies
2. Don’t Get Caught up in the Kevin Durant Sweepstakes
The Grizzlies are planning on pursuing superstar Kevin Durant; however, it will be best to steer clear unless he says he has a strong interest in Memphis. The Grizzlies plan on using the following ploy, per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical in February:
"They are working to keep Conley in summer free agency, with Memphis planning to be one more contender with two stars that will try to persuade Kevin Durant to make it a Big Three, league sources said."
While Grizzlies fan will salivate over a big three of Mike Conley, Durant and Marc Gasol, they need to start looking at moves that are realistic outside of NBA 2K. They certainly cannot throw the same pitches as Golden State, San Antonio, Oklahoma City or even Boston or Washington.
Heck, the Lakers have somewhat of a chance if they get a coach who can develop young studs D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and their possible top-three pick in this year’s draft.
Realistically, the Grizzlies need to pursue the following free agents: Nicolas Batum, Harrison Barnes, Pau Gasol, Marvin Williams, Kent Bazemore, Evan Turner, Donatas Motiejunas, Gerald Green, Eric Gordon, Evan Fournier, Mirza Teletovic, Allen Crabbe or Jared Dudley.
Any combination of these 2 would bolster the Grizzlies’ depth for a deeper playoff run.
Bottom line: If Kevin Durant doesn’t show a strong desire to come to Memphis, don’t chase him.
Next: Conley