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Just How Bright is the Memphis Grizzlies’ Future as it Currently Stands?

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Jaren Jackson #13 and Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies react to a play during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 12, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Jaren Jackson #13 and Jevon Carter #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies react to a play during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 12, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Ugly

The item most holding back the Memphis Grizzlies as they enter this rebuild is certainly their financial flexibility (or lack thereof). Though they shed one maximum contract in Marc Gasol, another max deal remains (Chandler Parsons) plus the almighty super-max belonging to Mike Conley plays on.

Parsons and Conley have seen their names pop up in NBA trade rumors all season long, and that will only continue once the offseason officially arrives. Memphis is playing Chandler often in hopes to convince NBA opponents that he can still be a valuable contributor in the league — perhaps for a contending club.

In 2018-19, the Grizzlies are paying the duo of Parsons and Conley a combined $55 million. They are set to pay the pair a total of approximately $58 million in the 2019-20 season. In considering the amount of games missed by these two guys in recent seasons, it is not much of a surprise to see Memphis on the outside looking in on the NBA Playoffs. That is a lot of cash to have tied up in two players, especially when one has only played in one season’s worth of games through three seasons.

The Front Office placed all of their chips on these two guys in NBA Free-Agency of 2016, and the Grizzlies have been unlucky in the return-on-investment. Though Mike has been stellar this season, all fingers continue to point blame at Chandler Parsons.

The Memphis Grizzlies must look for trades this offseason. Mike Conley is not getting any younger (currently age 31) and has already battled back from numerous significant injuries. The next big bang could take him out of another season, which could have a similar result as the Grizzlies’ 2017-18 season record where they went 22-60.

Being as this is a rebuild, it is time to focus on picks and prospects. If bad contracts must be had in a deal(s) dropping Conley and/or Parsons, then so be it. Now is the time to be patient with youth. It is better to start the rebuild entirely now than to wait a couple seasons and then rebuild. Say, by 2021 or 2022, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jevon Carter should be established key players for the Grizzlies and it would be a waste of their talents. The Memphis Grizzlies should not be at “complete restart” in two or three seasons. The time is now.

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