Here’s what we know about the Memphis Grizzlies heading into the 2022 offseason: they are building the team around Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson, Jr.
All the offseason moves (now and in the future) will be made with these three players in mind. How can 2021-22 NBA Executive of the Year Zach Kleiman construct a team that complements these three stars?
After a third consecutive season of improvement, the Memphis Grizzlies are well ahead of schedule in their rebuild. Morant, Bane, and Jackson took massive leaps forward in their games this season.
Here are the biggest questions looming this offseason for the Grizzlies.
No. 1: Will the Memphis Grizzlies re-sign Tyus Jones and Kyle Anderson?
The big question on everyone’s mind is will the team re-sign back-up point guard Tyus Jones and back-up forward Kyle Anderson? Both are unrestricted free agents and both can choose to sign with any team of their choosing.
Kyle Anderson has been a great player for Memphis the last few years, but I think his time in Memphis may be over. The big man can probably have a bigger role on a team that needs a young veteran who can be impactful without scoring. The Grizzlies need bench players that can do multiple things, including scoring. Anderson doesn’t really check that box and he’s very sporadic from beyond the arc.
Tyus Jones was completely transparent in his exit interview with the media about his future as a free agent. He admitted that he wants to be a starter— something he has nearly 0% in doing as long as Ja Morant and Desmond Bane are on this team.
So, if Tyus Jones leaves it won’t be for lack of a contract offer. I think the Grizzlies would pay him whatever he wants, but if he prioritizes being a starter, Jones’ best move is to move on to another team to achieve his personal goal.
Bold Prediction: Anderson signs with Brooklyn Nets; Tyus Jones sign-and-trade with Washington Wizards