As the NBA offseason inches closer to training camp, free agency has been at a standstill with a couple of restricted free agents who have yet to sign a deal. The Grizzlies had their own restricted free agent entering this offseason with Santi Aldama, and both sides agreed on a deal almost immediately when free agency began.
The most notable restricted free agent players on the market are Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas, Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes, and
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. The latter of those names has been making the most headlines as he appears to be holding up the remaining free agent options.
The Grizzlies and Warriors have become a rivalry over the last couple of seasons, with the Warriors garnering the most success with a playoff series win (2022) and the play-in tournament victory last season. However, the Grizzlies are proving to be more accommodating when dealing with roster management of young players.
The Grizzlies have avoided offseason drama
Santi Aldama's restricted free agency was a Grizzlies priority after determining how to proceed with Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract situation. The team quickly got to work when free agency began by extending Jackson Jr. and agreeing to terms with Aldama without the need to test restricted free agency.
The Warriors faced a similar situation with Jonathan Kuminga, but a month has passed with no deal in sight to either retain or trade the young forward. After a disappointing end to last season, the Grizzlies went to work this offseason with a plethora of moves, including trading Desmond Bane, but appear to have their full roster ready for training camp.
On the flip side, the Warriors have intentions of signing veteran players De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford, but can't do anything until they come to some sort of agreement with Jonathan Kuminga. To date, the Warriors have only lost Kevon Looney this offseason, with no clear move to upgrade their roster for contention next season.
The lack of decision on Kuminga's status with their organization will likely come to a solution before training camp, but losing that time could derail their chemistry to begin next season. The Grizzlies are presumed to be worse than they were when last season ended, but locking in their roster can pay dividends for a quick start to the regular season.
The Grizzlies have been the little brother in their rivalry with the Warriors, but they showed this offseason that little brother can be more mature than big brother. Eventually, little brother can surpass the big brother, and the Grizzlies are equipped to make that happen after the Warriors have dragged their hands.