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NBA Free Agency: Memphis Grizzlies Push Back Key Date for Avery Bradley, Could Seek Trade

By Christian Dudley

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 5: Avery Bradley #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies smiles on March 5, 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 5: Avery Bradley #0 of the Memphis Grizzlies smiles on March 5, 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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The Memphis Grizzlies and Avery Bradley have mutually agreed to push back a key contractual date. What could happen next between the two parties relative to NBA Free Agency?

With less than 24 hours until the official start of the moratorium period of NBA Free Agency, the Memphis Grizzlies and Avery Bradley mutually agreed to delay one key date. While this news bit will be overshadowed by the plethora of rumors surrounding potential superstar movement, it is important news for the Grizzlies and their cap space situation.

On Saturday evening, The Athletic’s Omari Sankofa reported the news between the Grizzlies and Bradley, which takes place four days before the veteran defenseman’s contract of $12.96 million becomes guaranteed for the 2019-20 NBA season.

Now, if the Grizzlies waive Bradley prior to July 8th, Memphis will owe him far less than the $12.96 million mark. Avery quickly became a valuable contributor for the Grizzlies after they acquired him at February’s NBA Trade Deadline, but at this point with Memphis handing the reigns to youthful figures, it makes most sense to part ways while saving dollars.

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Another option for the Grizzlies would be to find a trade partner for Bradley rather than waiving him themselves. A chance of trade could be very likely depending on the domino effect over the next few days once the Free Agency moratorium period tips off. With some teams needing additional cap space to make way for high-ranking free agents, Memphis’ phone could soon be ringing off the hook as Bradley’s contract terms presents approximately $10 million in salary cap savings.

Memphis now has additional days to dangle Bradley’s contract to the sharks. While they could immediately earn additional cap space for themselves, it would make even more sense to field offers. If they could land a young player who fits their young core, or even a future Draft pick(s), that would be most beneficial to their rebuilding effort. For now, it would be in the Grizzlies’ best interest to stay away from adding to future seasons’ salary cap numbers.

Avery Bradley played some of the best basketball of his nine-season NBA career once he played for Memphis in 14 games. He proved that he can in fact provide offense, even after the Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons figured he was a non-factor on that side of the basketball. Bradley produced 16.1 points on 46.3% overall shooting (38.4% from beyond the arc) to go with 3.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 31.6 minutes per game.

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Something about landing with the Grizzlies provided life to Bradley’s game. This should lead to him finding a new situation rather quickly once he is inevitably waived, whether it is via Memphis or another NBA team.

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