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5 of Memphis Grizzlies’ worst free agency signings of all time

By Noah Hancock

Feb 10, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The hand and shorts logo of Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (1) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The hand and shorts logo of Memphis Grizzlies forward Kyle Anderson (1) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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4: Allen Iverson 2009: 1-year $3 million

November 2, 2009; Sacramento, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson (3) talks to a teammate during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2009; Sacramento, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson (3) talks to a teammate during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Yes, you read that correctly. Many people forget that the Hall-of-Fame guard played in Memphis for a season. Although, the phrase “for a season” is a large stretch as A.I. only played three games with Memphis (that includes preseason games as well). “The Answer” only signed a one-year, $3 million contract. However, the excitement that comes with such a big-name player also comes with expectations, and those expectations are higher than a three-game stint with the Grizzlies.

Do not get me wrong, A.I. is one of my all-time favorite NBA players. His impact on the game and the culture of the NBA is second to none. However, his three games in Memphis are part of his legacy that should be forgotten. That is why he is number four on my list.

3. James Posey 2003: 4-year $22.6 million

SEATTLE – JANUARY 9: James Posey #41 of the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE – JANUARY 9: James Posey #41 of the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

James Posey signed a 4-year $22.6M contract back in 2003. This does not seem like much in today’s NBA, but it made up almost 15% of the team’s salary cap that year. Some other 2003 Free Agents that Memphis could have signed for the same amount or less include Juwan Howard (who scored 17.5 ppg that next year), Karl Malone (13.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG), Gary Payton (14.6 PPG), Andre Miller (14.8 PPG), and Gilbert Arenas (19.6 ppg). But yes, let’s sign James Posey to a four-year deal to fulfill two years of that contract with mediocre play. Hindsight might be 20/20, but the thought process here still does not make sense.

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