5 bold predictions for the Memphis Grizzlies free agent class of 2023

No 3. Brandon Clarke gets re-signed to a long-term contract in July 2023

The clock is officially ticking with regards to the Memphis Grizzlies and Brandon Clarke negotiating a contract extension.

As reported by Chris Herrington from The Daily Memphian, the club has until Oct. 17 to reach a deal with Clarke. If no deal is reached before then, the former Gonzaga standout will become a restricted free agent in 2023.

We could see a situation vaguely similar to that of Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns— minus the max contract expectations and awkwardness on display during the playoffs.

Basically, Clarke would be free to negotiate a new contract with any NBA team, but the Grizzlies would have the right to match the contract offer and retain him.

Or, Clarke could take a qualifying offer for one year and then become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

As I wrote earlier in the offseason, Clarke may be more inclined to not sign a deal now, and take advantage of Jackson’s absence to increase his value. He may not have any intention to leave the team, but it could certainly up his asking price.

So, why short himself now, when he can bet on himself and cash in for a potentially much more lucrative payday during the summer of 2023?

Conversely, if he regresses in some way or gets a long-term injury, it would drastically impact his negotiating power.

It’s quite a gamble for Clarke to make, but one that’s too hard to pass up. Expect Clarke to wait until July 2023 to re-sign with the Memphis Grizzlies for a big pay day after a really impactful 2022-23 season.