3 Grizzlies that earned untouchable status, 3 that should be cut loose
By Tyler Watts
Memphis Grizzlies that should be cut loose: 3. Brandon Clarke
Clarke is just starting a four-year extension, and he may be a controversial inclusion. He is under contract for just $12.5 million per season until 2027, and there is some belief that the 26-year-old can outperform that figure, but his progression has stalled. Clark has averaged under 20 minutes per game for two straight years after playing 23.2 a night over his first two.
Beyond that, the 6’8 forward is recovering from a torn Achilles and does not have the strongest track record of staying healthy. Clarke has played in just 237 games in his first four years or just under 60 per season. Can he bounce back from Achilles surgery and keep getting better?
Clarke turns 27 before training camp opens. He is likely in the middle of his prime, and the Memphis Grizzlies are not opening up more minutes for him. They want to upgrade on the wing, and Brandon Clarke will continue to play behind Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams in the frontcourt.
It is worth exploring the trade market to see what they can get. His value will likely be down because of the Achilles surgery, but it only takes one team and Memphis may get the wing upgrade they are searching for in return for Clarke.