NBA free agency doesn't officially begin until July, but the Memphis Grizzlies already have their eye on it as they have six free agents to account for. Two of their six are two-way guys, so they have more decisions to make as they look to build out who's on their developmental radar.
Without a first-round pick this year due to the Marcus Smart trade at the deadline and making the playoffs to eliminate the top-14 protection of the pick, Memphis will look to continue its second-round success with two picks at 48 and 56. However, adding another second-round pick to the main roster wouldn't be meaningful to what the team needs to become a contender next season.
With a plethora of questions about the Grizzlies' roster in its entirety, let's examine who's most and least likely to return to the team from their free agency crop.
1. Cam Spencer
The 6'4" 53rd pick of last year's draft showed promise as a two-way prospect during summer league last year before injuries limited him to only five NBA G League games. However, his potential as a knockdown three-point shooter and point of attack defensive potential paves the way for him to replace another free agent.
2. Santi Aldama
The fourth-year 6'11 forward had his best season as a pro this season as he led the team in scoring off the bench. He is a restricted free agent and is expected to be tendered a $5.9 million one-year qualifying offer by the team ahead of the June 29th deadline before free agency begins.
3. Marvin Bagley III
The Marcus Smart trade brought back Marvin Bagley III, who only played 12 games for the team despite a need for big depth after the season-ending injury to Brandon Clarke. Bagley is unlikely to be re-signed, but there is upside there depending on other moves made to potentially retain him at a minimum salary.
4. Lamar Stevens
The Grizzlies brought Lamar Stevens back mid-season after not retaining him when he finished the 2023-24 season with the team. He brought value as a defensive wing off the bench, but the team played John Konchar in the playoffs over him, signaling the end of his Grizzlies tenure.
5. Luke Kennard
The free agent mentioned that Cam Spencer is destined to replace is Luke Kennard. As badly as the Grizzlies need shooting, they need shooters who can play defense and be a trustworthy ballhandler in the backcourt. Kennard was too inconsistent in all areas and shot 22.2% from three in the playoffs, after finishing the regular season shooting 21.9% from three in his last 14 games.
6. Yuki Kawamura
The fan-favorite Yuki Kawamura became a Japanese sensation during the Grizzlies' early-season blowouts, with fans home and away chanting "we want Yuki." Those chants disappeared during the second half of the season when the team struggled, and he was inactive for the majority of it. Rumors about the Grizzlies being interested in another short point guard who played under head coach Tuomas Iisalo in France and Germany have put the writing on the wall for Yuki's time with the organization.