Top offseason priority becoming clear for Memphis Grizzlies

While the Memphis Grizzlies put the finishing touches on the 2021-22 regular season, we’ve already got one eye on the 2022 NBA offseason.

Rumors are already swirling about how the team could improve and what sort of moves might be in store for the NBA’s second-best team this season.

Multiple sources are reporting that majority owner Robert Pera is signaling a willingness to open his pocketbook and do some spending in a quest to bring a championship to Memphis.

One such rumor includes Zion Williamson seeking a trade to the Memphis Grizzlies, which was mentioned by ESPN’s Jalen Rose recently on his talk show.

That’s pie-in-the-sky talk and when push comes to shove, the Grizzlies need to have one clear goal in mind once free agency begins.

Memphis Grizzlies must prioritize re-signing free agent Tyus Jones

The Grizzlies have to get Ja Morant’s backup re-signed to a long-term contract extension. Jones will have no shortage of suitors this offseason when he becomes a free agent. He will likely become the league’s highest compensated backup when it’s all said and done— and for good reason.

Tyus Jones becomes even more incalculably valuable when Morant is sidelined, which is usually for a dozen or so games per season. Whenever Jones is the team’s starting point guard, the Grizzlies are nearly unstoppable. The Grizzlies are 19-2 with Jones as the starter this season, which is baffling even the sagest basketball experts.

In 21 games as a starter this season, Jones has played fantastic basketball, putting up averages of 12.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game.

That puts Jones on par with some big-name starters around the league who are putting up similar numbers.

Puts him on par with big-name starters like Kyle Lowry, Marcus Smart, and former leader of the Grit N’ Grind Grizzlies Mike Conley.

Check out how a starting Tyus Jones stacks up against some of the best starting point guards in the league this year.

Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics

12.1 ppg, 5.8 apg and 4 rpb

Reggie Jackson, LA Clippers

16. 9 ppg, 4.8 apg and 3.7 rpg

Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat

13.2 ppg, 7.5 apg, 4.5 rpg

Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic

16.7 ppg, 5.8 apg, 5.5 rpg

Mike Conley, Utah Jazz

13.5 ppg, 5.3 apg, 3.0 rpg

The Memphis Grizzlies are going to need to shell out some big bucks to retain the 25-year-old veteran, otherwise, another team may swoop in and sign this former NCAA National Champion.