The 6'5" guard/forward for the Memphis Grizzlies has been a staple with the franchise, signing with them as an undrafted free agent in 2019. After beginning his career on a two-way contract, John Konchar paved the way for other players, such as Vince Williams Jr., GG Jackson, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, etc., to play their way onto the primary roster from a two-way contract.
His production early in his career as a reliable plug-and-play player who filled in for injured players earned him a three-year, $18 million contract extension in 2022. However, his role has progressively gotten less as the team drafted more talented players at his position. Due to this, his contract has become a trending topic in trade circles. With two years remaining on his deal, next season could determine his fate with the team.
Konchar has a tall task to receive playing time
John Konchar was a regular member of the Grizzlies' playing rotation between 2021-2024, including receiving playoff minutes. Last season consisted of his lowest usage since his rookie season, but at the end of the season, he was in the team's playing rotation following injuries to Jaylen Wells and Brandon Clarke, and inconsistency from Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson.
The consistency of Konchar to provide positive minutes for the team has been a needed commodity, but next season will be the second consecutive season he will likely be relegated to the 15th man role. Konchar has been a player who can play positions one through four, so his value for the team remains, but his contract makes it more difficult to keep him for that role.
John Konchar has had moments in big situations for the team, such as his back-to-back 15- and 12-rebound performances when the Grizzlies had eight to nine players missing in December 2024. As he enters his seventh season with the team, continuing to be ready when his number is called is all Konchar can do as one of the veterans on the team.