5 Young players the Grizzlies should develop, 1 to give up on
By Tyler Watts
Develop: Jaylen Wells
Memphis took Wells with the 39th overall pick in 2024 and signed him to a four-year $7.9 million contract. Only the first two seasons are guaranteed, but the Grizzlies proved they believe in the 6’7 wing by putting him on their standard roster.
The 20-year-old was a lights-out 3-point shooter at Washington State, and Memphis needs floor spacers around their stars. Wells has plus-size, but there are questions about what he offers beyond shooting. The Grizzlies may need a Luke Kennard replacement after this season and hope Wells can become that level of a floor spacer.
The Grizzlies drafted Cam Spencer at the end of the second round, and the franchise should be focused on developing their recent selections. Edey and Wells are just starting rookie contracts that could be massive values for the franchise. Kennard just got $9-plus million for one season. The Grizzlies aren’t paying Wells that much over the next four years combined.
Memphis has taken multiple bites at the apple of finding a wing in the draft in recent years. Wells is the latest and could blossom into a needed role player. He has one NBA skill but needs to round out his game. Only time will tell, but the Grizzlies should find out what Wells becomes.