5 fresh free agent ideas for the Memphis Grizzlies to consider before free agency begins

Would Donte DiVincenzo entertain an offer from the Memphis Grizzlies?

Donte DiVincenzo has the rare distinction of winning an NCAA men’s basketball championship (2018) and an NBA Finals (2021).

The 6’4″ guard out of Villanova won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks last year and was traded to Sacramento around the trade deadline. The Kings decided not to extend the young veteran a qualifying offer, which makes him an unrestricted free agent.

He appeared in 25 games for the Kings and averaged 10.3 PPG and 1.5 SPG. DiVincenzo might be a nice replacement for the departed De’Anthony Melton.

DiVincenzo, while not a keystone piece to the Bucks’ championship run, was a dependable contributor. He could help give some guidance to the young Grizzlies on what it takes to push through and successfully climb the mountain.

You could envision the guard backing up Desmond Bane or playing the three in a small-ball lineup. Woj reports there will likely be “significant interest” in DiVincenzo, so the Grizzlies will have to give the former seventeenth overall pick a sweet offer.

Should the Grizzlies look to add Jae’Sean Tate in free agency?

Another option for Memphis for a backup guard could be Houston’s Jae’Sean Tate, who had his club option declined.

Tate went undrafted in 2018, bounced around overseas for a bit, then landed an opportunity with the Rockets in 2020. He ended up making an all-rookie team and seemed to have a decent shot at being part of the rebuilding Rockets for a while.

However, after his club option was declined, he’ll be a restricted free agent this offseason. The 6’4″ Tate could be a solid option for the Grizzlies on a relatively cheap contract.

The 26-year-old and two-year pro averaged 11.3 PPG as a rookie and 11.8 PPG last season. He rebounds exceptionally well for a guard and has played 70+ games in both of his NBA seasons.