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Report Card: Grading the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2018-19 Season in Its Entirety

By AJ Salah

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 10: The Memphis Grizzlies bench reacts to play during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 10, 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 - APRIL 10: The Memphis Grizzlies bench reacts to play during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 10, 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
Justin Holiday Delon Wright Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Cap Management: C+

Memphis, unfortunately, is still troubled when it comes to the salary cap, courtesy of Chandler Parsons, forcing them to be graded with a bit of a ceiling here. Dumping Parsons would have meant attaching significant future assets, something the Grizzlies could have ill-afforded.

Things are not looking awesome on next year’s balance sheet. With four roster spots currently to fill, Memphis’ payroll is already over $119 million. This puts them safely over the $109 million cap, and within striking range of luxury tax at $131 million.

Despite already handicapped, Memphis managed to draw slight salary cap minuses on all of their significant trades this year.

Instead of adding cheap second-rounders in 2019 and 2020, they now face extending Justin Holiday, who has an uncertain place in the team’s long-term plan.

There was also slightly more money committed in 2019-20 on the receiving end of both Memphis’ trade deadline deals. Avery Bradley‘s team option currently undecided, while Delon Wright’s restricted free-agency could get costly.

Next. Ranking Playoff Runs During The Mike Conley, Marc Gasol Era. dark

Memphis may be able to shed further salary in a potential Mike Conley trade, but any speculation thereof is wishful thinking. In either case, the Grizzlies do not have too grim of an outlook. Mike Conley aside, they have just $16.7 million committed for 2020-21, allowing for the ultimate reset.

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