When the Memphis Grizzlies spent the majority of the season as a top-three team in the Western Conference standings, their biggest need was well known to the NBA landscape. Executing a deal for a veteran wing defender who can make the occasional three or create his own shot on offense, and they would've likely become championship contenders.
However, the team failed to execute a rumored deal to obtain Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets and decided to put all of their trust in their young wings at the trade deadline. Not only did the Grizzlies not become a championship contender, but they also fell to the play-in tournament after failing to make the necessary move.
While it takes two to tango in trade talks, the Grizzlies will have options this summer on the free agent market as they will have the $8.8 million mid-level exception at their disposal if they hold off on extending Jaren Jackson Jr. With a few names that could be intriguing for the team to pursue this summer, these players should absolutely be pursued by the Grizzlies.
1. Dorian Finney-Smith
Why not revisit the player they attempted to acquire in late December before the Los Angeles Lakers swooped in in the midnight hours to obtain him in a trade? Finney-Smith has a $15.4 million player option that he is expected to decline, so he can try to sign a longer-term contract at age 32.
The career 36% shooter from three is coming off a career-high 41% shooting season and would fit in perfectly as a complementary piece for the Grizzlies. The team can attempt a sign-and-trade scenario if the $8.8 million mid-level exception is too low for what the 6'7" Finney-Smith could warrant on the open market.
2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
The 6'5" is enjoying his back-to-back seasons in the Western Conference Finals as a key member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He shot 38% from three this season, and could be looked at as the Luke Kennard replacement, who is a free agent too.
Alexander-Walker would qualify as an upgrade for the Grizzlies because of his defensive impact and could potentially spell the end of Vince Williams Jr.'s time with the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies need as many two-way impact players as possible, and Alexander-Walker fits that bill.
Signing any of these guys would not only make the Grizzlies better, but it would take away from a conference rival, whom the Grizzlies were only one (Minnesota Timberwolves) and two games (Los Angeles Lakers) behind in the final standings this season.