The Memphis Grizzlies will be missing star power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. for four to six months after undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot. This means Jackson Jr. is on pace to return to action anywhere from the beginning of November till the beginning of January.
This likely means that the Memphis Grizzlies will be scouring free agency or the trade market to find someone to fill in for Jackson Jr. until he is cleared to return to play. The Grizzlies will likely be looking for someone who will be okay with coming off the bench until Jackson Jr. recovers. His game is unique, so the Grizzlies will likely be unable to fully replace the impact that Jackson Jr. has on the game, however, they can do their best to soften the blow. Memphis will likely be targeting big men that are quality defenders and either on a small contract or an expiring contract.
Free agents Memphis Grizzlies could target to fill in for injured Jackson
There are a handful of free agents that could fit this role for the Grizzlies, however, two stand out among the rest. The first big man that Memphis could sign in free agency is Demarcus Cousins. While Cousins’ natural position is center and there is a chance that he could struggle in a stretch four role, he has shown glimpses throughout his career of being a dream stretch four. Although Cousins only spent sixteen regular-season games with the Los Angeles Clippers, he provided the Clippers with a center that can stretch the floor. During his time coming off of the bench for the Clippers, the team had a regular-season record of 11-5.
Cousins did not have a starting role with the Clippers, as he might if he were signed to the Grizzlies for the upcoming season. Outside of being a solid replacement for Jackson Jr., Cousins will be a valuable bench player throughout the remainder of the season and would be an incredible fit for the Grizzlies roster. Finally, Cousins would likely sign to a contending team like Memphis for a veteran minimum deal, still leaving the Grizzlies with ample cap space.
The second big man that the Grizzlies may consider signing in free agency is Kelly Olynyk. Olynyk would be the pick in free agency for the Grizzlies if they decide that they are looking for a true stretch four in free agency. Olynyk would be the perfect player to stretch the floor for the Grizzlies. While he struggled from three last season, in the 2020-2021 season, Olynyk shot an incredible 39.2% from three. This was also the last season that Olynyk last played power forward as he switched to a center for the Detroit Pistons. Olynyk would also likely sign for a small contract, which carries little-to-no risk for the Grizzlies.
Let’s take a look at some players the Grizzlies could target via trade.