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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) /

Next Phase: Year One

With the Memphis Grizzlies mathematically eliminated from playoff contention this season, their offseason will begin in the middle of April. The Front Office will then begin to mull trade ideas, team options, NBA Draft prospects, and more. Additionally, they will wait to hear ultimate decisions via veterans Jonas Valanciunas and C.J. Miles.

A lot of the Grizzlies’ potential success in the 2019-20 season will be determined on their returning players. Valanciunas has a player option of $17.6 million, which he is surely to exercise. Though his recent play — filled with double-doubles — has opposing teams drooling at the thought of signing the 7’0″ center, he has found a sense of belonging in Memphis.

Valanciunas had fallen out of the rotation in Toronto prior to a thumb injury which sidelined him for nearly one month’s worth of games. The star-studded Raptors roster did not present a place where Jonas could continue to build his career with stardom in mind. In Memphis, that is much different. The Grizzlies are looking for a star. They are also looking for a player to become the fan favorite that Marc Gasol was.  In playing the same position and sharing the same passion for the game as Gasol, the Valanciunas-Grizzlies pairing has been perfect since the February trade took place.

Plus, C.J. Miles owns a player option for next season. He has found fit and a role in Memphis, and it would make a lot of sense to commit for a full season with the Memphis Grizzlies. His option is valued at $8.7 million, and the only realistic reason for him to decline is if he has a contending team lined up to bring him aboard their ship. Miles is an outside shooter that Memphis would depend upon in 2019-20, and that should be enticing to the veteran swingman.

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Three other veterans are in the fold, too. Avery Bradley is a proven veteran and the trade to Memphis has unleashed his offensive game. It has been a homecoming of sorts for him as he has family living nearby to Memphis, Tennessee. His defensive prowess is something that gels with the franchise’s foundation.

The only thing to not like about Bradley is the amount he would be owed in 2019-20 if the Memphis Grizzlies were to exercise their team option on his contract ($12.96 million). Perhaps the two sides could negotiate a new deal. Or maybe they will agree to the terms. If they can squeeze Avery Bradley under the luxury tax threshold, this move would allow the team to remain competitive in a rebuilding season. But is that what Memphis wants?

The other two remaining possibilities are the returns of Justin Holiday and Joakim Noah. However, both guys have played well in 2018-19 and will probably earn a pay raise prior to next season. If they can be had for cheap, then it is a no-brainer for the Grizzlies’ Front Office.

Still, the focus needs to be on bringing along the team’s youth. Memphis needs to focus more on integrating the young guys into expanded roles of larger minutes. Now is not the time to continue to encourage a logjam in the backcourt with Holiday. Plus, Ivan Rabb is more than ready to consume Noah’s minutes at the backup center position.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ future is bright. Though there are a lot of factors in how bright this future will be, that much will be decided over the next few months. For what we know today, Memphis is setting themselves up to be competitive in the 2019-20 season. They will not be a bottom-feeding club, but it may not be enough to swing a playoff position in the deep Western Conference.

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All of that is fine, though. Memphis needs to win enough to keep fans in seats, plus they need to keep their future face of the franchise — Jaren Jackson Jr. — completely happy. The pieces that they have in their arsenal right now will satisfy both of those goals. This is all that matters in 2019.

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