7 Potential Memphis Grizzlies offseason targets with ties to Ja Morant
By Tyler Watts
The Memphis Grizzlies finished with the second-best regular season record in the Western Conference for the second straight year, but the Lakers bounced them in the first round of the playoffs. There was a ton of talk from Dillon Brooks and not a lot of backing it up by the Grizzlies.
Memphis has made three straight playoff appearances but has won just one postseason series. They must improve their roster to take the next step. The Grizzlies have already informed Brooks that he won’t return (subscription required) next season. They are searching for a replacement on the wing and looking to add depth as Memphis heads into a crucial offseason.
Superstar Ja Morant must mature and become the team’s leader both on and off the court. The 23-year-old is an incredible talent, but can he lead his team to new heights next season? The Grizzlies could look to put some similar faces around their star guard to make things a bit easier.
Potential Memphis Grizzlies offseason targets with ties to Ja Morant
7. Kyle Anderson
Anderson was the final pick for the first round in the 2014 NBA Draft, and he spent his four seasons in San Antonio before arriving in Memphis. The 6’9 forward wanted a larger role, and he found it with the Grizzlies for two of his four seasons. Slo Mo provides versatility, strong defense, and playmaking ability to make him the perfect role player on a contending team.
Anderson became a free agent for the second time in 2022 when he decided to sign with Minnesota Timberwolves. He played just 21.5 minutes per game during his final season in Memphis and 18.4 in the playoffs as the Grizzlies reached the second round. Slo Mo is a professional and a veteran, which is something the team desperately needed in the 2022-23 campaign.
Kyle Anderson played three seasons with Ja Morant, and the Grizzlies could look to bring him back this summer as a defensive-minded forward. He is set to make $9.2 million next season and is in the final year of his deal. Slo Mo’s former teammates would certainly welcome the reunion if they can get the Timberwolves to bite on a trade.