The Memphis Grizzlies only have one roster spot to sign a free agent this offseason, but that should not stop them from making other moves to improve the team.
The team, as currently constructed, is probably not going to win the 50 games that owner Robert Pera claims they can win. The Memphis Grizzlies’ Front Office is going to have to work some magic to make this a better team. They will obviously be filling their last roster spot with a wing player, but they should consider some trades as well.
Eliminate the Surplus at PF.
The Memphis Grizzlies currently have four power forwards on roster for the 2018-19 season: JaMychal Green, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ivan Rabb, and Jarell Martin.
The future of the team is Jaren Jackson Jr. You do not spend the No. 4 pick on a player and not plan on him being the future at his position. JaMychal Green is on an expiring contract and Jarell Martin barely made the final roster one year ago. Ivan Rabb is probably safe being as the team is investing in his future. So that leaves Memphis trading Jarell Martin or JaMychal Green.
JaMychal Green
Sure, Memphis just re-signed JaMychal to a new contract last season. He is probably the starter at power forward for this immediate season, but Green should be the first candidate to trade because of the numbers on his contract.
JaMyke is scheduled to make 7.8 million dollars next season, almost the same amount as the team’s Mid-Level Exception (MLE). Flipping Green for a future second round pick or a player on a minimum deal would clear up enough cap space to sign two quality wing players such as Tyreke Evans or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Jarell Martin
Most people should remember that at the 2017 Memphis Grizzlies Media Day, Jarell was told by a media member that a report was made, stating that he had been cut from the team. Jarell went on to earn a spot on this team with his improved play in summer league and the preseason.
It may still be too soon in his career to say that the Front Office missed on this first round pick, but it is not too soon to cut ties. Jarell is not quick enough to guard small forwards in this league and he is still trying to expand his range. You cannot deny his athleticism, but in the end, that may be his only desirable trait.
If the Grizzlies cannot find a trade partner to bring in another wing player, it may be as simple as cutting him, to create roster space to bring two players in on the MLE.
Time to Move On From A Couple of Guards
Ben McElmore
MVP. MVP. MVP. Ben McElmore was easily the MVP of the tank that Chris Wallace swore was not happening. I get it. The Grizzlies need wing scoring (still). McElmore is a young wing that oozes athleticism and has the ability to knock down the long ball.
The fact is that Ben got the deal that Tyreke should have gotten. Memphis took a chance on a young wing player that was probably damaged by the poor Sacramento Kings franchise, and it did not pan out.
McElmore is a young, expiring contract that the Memphis Grizzlies should look to move to create cap space. He will be buried on the bench by Dillon Brooks, MarShon Brooks, Wayne Selden, Andrew Harrison, and Chandler Parsons, so give him a fresh start elsewhere.
Andrew Harrison
I am guilty of being one of those fans that just did not believe in Andrew Harrison. So I shall swallow my pride and admit that Harrison made significant strides in his development this year. Fans, and myself, need to remember that he is young.
It is probably pretty safe to say that neither Harrison nor rookie Jevon Carter are the heir apparents to Mike Conley‘s throne as the franchise point guard. The Grizz just drafted Carter and love his Gritty and Grindy DNA, so he is not going anywhere.
Harrison could actually draw interest from other teams and the Grizzlies should certainly explore those options.
Next: Grizzlies Reach Verbal Agreement with F Casspi
Too Many Bodies, Not Enough Care
Deyonta Davis
Man, this one is tough. I have hung on to belief in Deyonta Davis longer than most. The drafting of Jaren Jackson Jr. is probably the writing on the wall for Davis. He has the potential to be a serviceable big in the NBA off the bench, but it just seems as if he does not care if he gets there.
I am not sure any teams would give up much more than an expiring contract or a second round pick, but GM Chris Wallace should try. If they cannot find anything, there is a good chance they just cut him from the roster.