The Memphis Grizzlies' season quickly fell off the tracks. After three straight playoff appearances, the franchise hoped to take the next step, but Ja Morant’s suspension and shoulder injury derailed their dreams. The Grizzlies will be in the lottery this summer but expect to be back in contention in 2025.
Even with Morant healthy, Memphis will look different. Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, and Tyus Jones are gone with Marcus Smart as the primary replacement. Their roster gets significantly more expensive with Desmond Bane’s new contract starting, but the Grizzlies need more talent if they want to make a deep playoff run in the loaded Western Conference for the first time since reaching the conference finals in 2013.
How can Memphis maximize their superstar? They should be focused on adding pieces that fit around Morant and can elevate him to another level. The Grizzlies will have options this summer, and these players could make a significant impact in Grind City.
6. Dorian Finney-Smith
The Grizzlies are dead last in 3-point percentage, but take the sixth-most per game this season. They desperately need shooters and versatile defenders around their stars. If Memphis plans to keep Marcus Smart, they will be small in the backcourt, so adding a wing with size or a floor-spacing big man is a must.
Finney-Smith has been in trade rumors for the last year, but the Nets have not found the right deal. He has a player option in 2025, so Brooklyn could decide to trade him if they think Doe-Doe wants to move on.
Getting a 6’7 wing who played next to a superstar like Luka Doncic in Dallas would do wonders. Finney-Smith has shot 37.1 percent from 3-point range over his last four seasons combined and is comfortable defending hard and playing off the ball.
The Memphis Grizzlies need multiple role players to become serious title contenders, including filling their hole at the five left by the departure of Adams.