The Memphis Grizzlies can't seem to catch a break in 2023-24, as they've seen more turnover within their game-day rotation than seemingly any other team in the association.
Though hit with many blows throughout the season thus far, easily the harshest gut punch is the recent news that superstar Ja Morant, who only just kicked off his campaign on December 19 following an initial 25-game suspension, will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a labrum tear in his right shoulder.
Without question, this franchise has endured a significant amount of turmoil in such a short amount of time, and fans are now simply waiting to see what could be next to come.
While there is significant fear that more negatives could be lying on the horizon for this ball club, based on a recent report by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there appears to be a realistic chance that the Grizzlies could be in line for something substantially positive.
Grizzlies apply for a $12.4 million Disabled Player Exception
The Memphis Grizzlies applied to the NBA for a $12.4 million Disabled Player Exception for the season-ending loss of guard Ja Morant, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 12, 2024
Per the report, Memphis has applied for a $12.4 million Disabled Player Exception, a luxury that allows a team to sign another player worth up to the allocated amount of money without having to waive or part ways with anyone in the process.
The franchise has already been granted a DPE this season after Steven Adams underwent season-ending knee surgery back in October, and were awarded $6.3 million in salary room as a result.
Though the one they're looking to receive in response to Morant's situation is twice as large, considering they may just opt to punt on the rest of the season and focus on getting an early start to preparations for 2024-25, there's a rather real chance that neither wind up getting used, at least to their fullest extent, by year's end.
However, with trade season in full swing, assuming they get approval, the Grizzlies could look to utilize these exceptions by bringing on undesired contracts from rival teams in exchange for more coveted assets like future draft captial.
Either way, their recent application for a $12.4 million DPE is a situation that is deserving of close monitoring moving forward.