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Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Reasons for Jonas Valanciunas to Opt Into a Return

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 27: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up the court against the Golden State Warriors on March 27, 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 - MARCH 27: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up the court against the Golden State Warriors on March 27, 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 Jonas Valanciunas
The Memphis Grizzlies’ Jonas Valanciunas owns a player option on his contract for the 2019-20 NBA season (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

As the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to become more stable, perhaps their biggest uncertainty surrounds Jonas Valanciunas and his return to Tennessee.

The Memphis Grizzlies have a few major uncertainties on their hands right now. While it appears they are focused on their NBA Draft selection with the No. 2 pick loaded in their arsenal, they still are in need of a new head coach. Plus, they are awaiting word from center Jonas Valanciunas on his decision with his contract’s Player Option.

Valanciunas’ decision to opt in or out will have a major impact on the Grizzlies’ financial situation. If he were to opt in for next season only, Memphis would get hit for $17.6 million on their books.

This seems like a lot of money for a guy that has typically gone under the radar, but in all honesty, Jonas is as solid as could be at the center position. In 2018-19, Valanciunas posted a 24.4 Player Efficiency Rating, leading the Memphis Grizzlies and barely missing Kawhi Leonard‘s team-best figure for the Toronto Raptors.

Jonas was a starter for the Raptors throughout their repetitive playoff runs this decade, and once arriving to Memphis, he narrowly missed the mark to lead the Grizzlies in double-doubles, finishing second to only Marc Gasol.

The second option for Jonas Valanciunas would be to decline the option entirely and hit the open market, landing with his third team in the span of one year.

A third option would having Valanciunas decline the option, but work in agreement with the Grizzlies on a long-term deal, perhaps in the two- to three-year range, where Memphis could negotiate the terms to where it would not cripple the franchise in future seasons so that they can lure other key pieces to Beale Street.

All of these scenarios are on the table, and Jonas Valanciunas discussed all of these possibilities the day after the 2018-19 NBA season came to a close during his exit interviews. If he were to stay, this would propel the Grizzlies in a manner that could potentially have them flirting with the postseason. Memphis would be saying, “what rebuild?!”

While it is currently a split decision for Jonas Valanciunas, Beale Street Bears provides three things that would be enough to get him to commit for additional games — and perhaps seasons — donning a Memphis Grizzlies uniform.

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