Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies: Don’t count on a splashy 2022 offseason

By Jacob Ellerbee

Kyle Anderson, Memphis Grizzlies (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports)
Kyle Anderson, Memphis Grizzlies (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports) /

Just because the Memphis Grizzlies will have money and roster space, doesn’t mean they’ll be able to sign anyone of significance

At the conclusion of the 2021-22 NBA season, the Memphis Grizzlies will have a relatively clean roster. Assuming Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Ja Morant are signed to long-term contract extensions and they make no other trades from now until the end of the season, here’s what the Grizzlies roster will look like.

Expired Contracts

(Will be free agent after the 2021-22 season)
Kyle Anderson
Tyus Jones
Daniel Oturu
Sam Merrill
Kris Dunn
Jarrett Culver (team option)

Expiring Contracts

(Entering final year of contract in 2022-23)
Steven Adams
Dillon Brooks
Brandon Clarke
Carsen Edwards

Under Contract 

(Signed with the Memphis Grizzlies for 2+ more seasons)
Jaren Jackson, Jr. (assuming long-term extension is made)
Ja Morant (assuming long-term extension is made)
De’Anthony Melton
Ziaire Williams
Santi Aldama
John Konchar
Xavier Tillman

The problem is, Memphis has never been a destination for superstar NBA players. It simply can’t compete with the luxuries and amenities bigger cities have to offer (weather, dining, nightlife, etc.). But, we’ve seen some non-traditional NBA markets do really well in the playoffs and even win the NBA Championship (see: Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks). Even if the Grizzlies could attract a free agent next offseason, the free-agent class of 2022 is not exactly glamorous.

John Wall, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, and Kyrie Irving all have player options they will most certainly opt-in to or renegotiate to stay with their current team. You have a few unrestricted free agents at the top of the class that could be worthwhile for the Memphis Grizzlies: Gary Harris (28), Aaron Gordon (27), Zach LaVine (27), Ricky Rubio (31)— not exactly franchise-changing players. Only LaVine seems like someone that would fill a need and fit somewhat closely to the age timeline with Morant and Jaren Jackson, Jr.

I wouldn’t be holding my breath for the Memphis Grizzlies to move heaven and earth to sign one of those players.

Home/Grizzlies News