The Grizzlies' offseason is already off to a rough start after losing their starting All-Rookie center until at least October, and probably longer as they begin next season. With a huge need at the position they had the biggest need entering last offseason before selecting Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the team can't afford to wait until his definitive return.
Brandon Clarke and John Konchar are the current players under contract that the team will likely use to go bargain shopping for a replacement if they are not able to sign a center. However, an impending free agent on the team could be the perfect trade chip to utilize in a deal for a center, as he would check off a need.
Memphis should trade Luke Kennard to Orlando for Goga Bitadze
Parker Fleming of SubTsakalidis for the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA Draft released two offseason big boards for the team. His first one was filled with aggressive targets like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Trey Murphy III, etc. His second one consisted of bench players the team should target, and at the top of the list was Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze.
Bitadze is in a frontcourt logjam in Orlando with Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Wagner, and Jonathan Isaac, which caused him to be inconsistent with rotation minutes. However, in 20 minutes per game during the regular season, he averaged 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds, and is a similar big man prototype to Zach Edey.
If the Grizzlies want a bruising center to set screens and rebound, they should call Orlando to inquire about the 6'11" former first-round pick in 2019. The Grizzlies' offseason can't start until a decision has been made on Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract, so Parker presented two options for the team to acquire Bitadze.
If the Grizzlies and Jackson Jr. agree to a renegotiation and extension, then the team would have access to the $8.8 million room exception, which they could trade a pick or multiple picks and see if Orlando would take Konchar off their hands to acquire Bitadze. However, the second option might be more intriguing for both teams.
The Magic need shooting after ranking dead last in the NBA this season, shooting 31.5% from three as a team. Luke Kennard is a free agent, but the Grizzlies could execute a sign-and-trade with the Magic if he agrees to sign with them. Executing that deal could help the Grizzlies solve their early-season center problem and have the assets and money to address their main concern on the wing, too.