5 Contracts the Memphis Grizzlies must shed during the offseason

The Memphis Grizzlies have disappointed this season. Ja Morant’s suspension and shoulder injury limited him to just nine games, and his team struggled mightily without their star. They will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and face several offseason questions. The Grizzlies could be forced to make some unpopular moves as they attempt to get back to the playoffs next season.

A healthy Morant instantly makes Memphis a contender, but the Western Conference is loaded. Who do the Grizzlies play at the five with Steven Adams gone? Does Memphis have enough size and rebounding to compete with the top teams? They must upgrade their roster this summer, which won’t be easy as Desmond Bane’s extension kicks in.

The Grizzlies must shed some money to make the necessary moves. It will create some difficult decisions, but Zach Kleiman and the front office should look to get these deals off their books following the disappointing campaign.

5. Derrick Rose

The former MVP is making $3.3 million next season, so Memphis is not creating a ton of flexibility by dumping him. It is fair to question how much he helps. Rose has played a combined 77 games over the last three years. He has not played more than 51 in a season since 2017. Injuries have caught up with the 35-year-old, and he struggles mightily on the defensive end of the floor.

D-Rose has a negative value over replacement player (VORP) this season. The Grizzlies were outscored with him on the floor in 15 of the 24 games he played and had a negative-3.2 net rating. If they can only count on the 6’3 guard to play 25 contests, getting someone more capable of helping seems wise.

Derrick Rose has just the 2024-25 season left on his contract. The Grizzlies may look to dump his expiring deal in a larger trade, and there are several players the front office hopes to let go of this summer.