4 Biggest Consequences Ja Morant Suspension has on the Memphis Grizzlies

2) Caution in offseason plans

It is no secret that Memphis needs a starting small-forward after letting Dillon Brooks know they would not be bringing him back “under any circumstances” (Shams Charania’s words, not the Grizzlies’).

Any major trade package for a player to fill that void – like OG Anunoby or Cam Johnson – would ideally include Grizzlies backup point guard Tyus Jones. The 27-year-old NBA veteran is considered among the best backup point guards in the league, and his $14 million expiring contract could be crucial for matching salary.

But does Memphis really want to trade away its backup point guard when its starter, Ja Morant, is automatically out for almost a third of the season? Plus, with Morant’s troubling injury history, his suspension might not be the only extended stretch he misses this year. Jones averaged 16.4 points and 8.1 assists per game in 22 games as a starter this season. He is more than capable of running the ship in Morant’s absence. 25 games without a point guard on the roster (Memphis also cut rookie point guard Kennedy Chandler before the playoffs) might scare the Grizzlies front office away from any deal involving Tyus Jones.

Frankly, I believe Memphis should still proceed with a trade involving Jones if that’s what it takes to land an elite wing. Desmond Bane has improved tremendously as a ball-handler and playmaker. He can handle part-time point guard duties. Luke Kennard can take some limited point guard minutes as well.

Most importantly, the Grizzlies still have one open roster spot. They could draft an experienced college point guard with the No. 25 pick to play backup. They could use the Mid Level Exception (MLE) to sign a veteran guard for around $12 million. Either way, it’s much easier to find a backup point guard than a 3-and-D wing with size. After two years of early playoff exits as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, Memphis must make all decisions through a May lens.

But will Zach Kleiman and the Grizzlies front office feel the same way? They may think Morant’s suspension necessitates keeping Jones, perhaps preventing a major offseason trade.