3 free agent centers Grizzlies could pursue this offseason

Though they may still have 24 games left to play in the 2023-24 campaign, the Memphis Grizzlies should already have at least one eye set on the upcoming offseason.

When fully healthy, Taylor Jenkins' squad is considered to be among the game's elite and is frequently mentioned in the conversation of top-flight championship contenders.

While getting guys like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marcus Smart all back on the court together will certainly raise their stock heading into 2024-25, this coming summer will serve as a time when the front office can strengthen their claim of being a title favorite, as they will look to bolster up some of the weak spots found within the rotation.

Easily their biggest positional need is down at the pivot, as they currently have no clear long-term prospect in tow following the pre-deadline deal that sent Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets.

Free agent centers Grizzlies could pursue this coming offseason

Per GM Zach Kleiman's own admission, finding someone to fill this void down at the pivot will be a major priority for the franchise, and noted that they'll consider trades, the draft, and free agency to address this need.

In the event that they pursue the latter route, there are several individuals that could and, likely, should be on the Grizzlies' radar.

3. Andre Drummond

With bonafide studs like Morant, Bane, and Jackson already slated to be fully healthy and in tow, the Grizzlies don't necessarily need to add another star to their arsenal in order to thrust themselves back into title contender status.

Instead, what they should look to add are players who can provide nitty-gritty intangibles and can play their roles to a tee.

Andre Drummond might just be one of the most ideal options this front office could look to add, for not only does he provide these attributes at a position of great need but he will likely also come at cost at or near the league's mid-level exception.

In many ways, the big man is essentially a meatier and cheaper version of Steven Adams, as he's an established board gobbler and an absolute menace when it comes to interior defense largely due to his size alone.

A two-time All-Star and four-time rebounding champion, now in his 12 season in the association Drummond continues to prove himself as being a reliable force down in the interior, both as a starter and as a reserve.

Should the Grizzlies wish to look to him as being their primary center, they should be encouraged by his stupendous averages of 13.8 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in nine games serving as the five in Chicago's main lineup this season.

However, even if they wish to solely bring him aboard as a backup, he still finds himself putting up serviceable efforts overall, as he's posting 8.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and half a block while predominantly coming off the pine this year.

Adding the 30-year-old to Memphis' roster could be a low-cost way to both bolster and beef things up down in the frontcourt as they head into what is hoped to be a promising 2024-25 season.