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
No. 2: What will the Memphis Grizzlies do with their 2022 NBA Draft picks?
The Memphis Grizzlies will have two first-round picks in the 2022 NBA Draft, which are expected to be in the 20s. They will get the first-round pick from the Utah Jazz and they will have their own pick.
The Grizzlies have a history of identifying a player they want in a draft and trading up to acquire said player. We saw it with Brandon Clarke, Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, and Ziaire Williams.
If the Grizzlies own picks No. 22 and 29, could they package those two and a player to the Washington Wizards for their lottery pick (projected to be No. 10 overall)?
Would the Grizzlies want to roll with a rookie backup point guard? Or would they target an athletic center to help defend the Karl-Anthony Towns of the NBA come playoff time?
Prediction: Grizzlies move into late lottery for a backup point guard or backup big man
No. 3: Should the Memphis Grizzlies bring back Dillon Brooks next season?
After a disastrous playoff run for Dillon Brooks, fans began to sour on the longest-tenured member on this Grizzlies team.
It’s important to note that once the 2022-23 season begins, Brooks will be in the final year of his contract— valued at $11.4 million. This makes it an attractive trade piece for a team in search of unloading a big contract. Brooks’ contract could fill a need in that any trade partner would need to take on a certain amount of salary to make a hypothetical trade work that would net Memphis a player with a large salary.
Dillon Brooks plays great defense, but his offense leaves a lot to be desired. For whatever reason, he’s assumed the role of “high-volume” shooter. The only problem is that he’s wildly inaccurate. He can get hot, and go on a streak (like we saw in Game 6 vs Golden State).
It took him 28 shots to score 30 points in that game. You don’t mind if someone like Desmond Bane, one of the most accurate shooters in the NBA shoots a high volume because he’s going to make a lot more of those shots.
The Grizzlies need to have a heart-to-heart with Brooks and find out if he’s willing to adapt his role on offense for the benefit of the team. If he’s not interested in that, it may be time to amicably move on.
Prediction: Brooks stays, at least until next season’s trade deadline
No. 4: Can the Memphis Grizzlies sign a young veteran or two for the bench?
The Grizzlies will likely have a few roster spots open up, especially if they don’t re-sign Anderson or Jones. The Grizzlies would be wise to see out some young veterans that could help shore up a few weak points.
A few players that come to mind: Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis (player option), 27, had a career year with the Bucks this season. Will he covet a starting spot, as he proved he’s more than capable of during the regular season absence of Brook Lopez? Or will he be content being a sixth man?
Montreal Harrell (UFA), 28, can score, rebound, and be a physical presence under the basket. Marvin Bailey III (RFA) could be worth signing for his dynamic athleticism.
As far as guards go, if the team doesn’t draft a backup, they should look at guys like Pat Connaughton (player option), Austin Rivers (UFA), Gary Payton II (UFA) to bring scoring, defense and playoff experience to the Grizzlies.
No. 5: Which Memphis Grizzlies players will compete in Summer League?
We saw Desmond Bane put his honed skills on display during the 2021 Summer League and really wowed Memphis fans. Here’s hoping that we see something similar from Ziaire Williams, who will likely see an expanded role next season if Kyle Anderson is not brought back.
Xavier Tillman Sr. Could benefit from a few summer league games, but it’s unclear if the big man will suit up.
Santi Aldama absolutely has to compete in Summer League. We saw a few flickers of what the big man could be during the regular season. We need to see more from him for Head Coach Taylor Jenkins to trust him with meaningful minutes during the regular season.
Whoever the Grizzlies draft will also surely compete with the team and gives us our first glimpse of how they might fit in with some regular contributors.