No team has been more active this summer than the Grizzlies, who have made six trades and have a reported seventh deal looming with the Celtics, but the moves have mainly been to cut salary and collect future assets rather than to provide any immediate on-court benefit, writes Evan Barnes of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Four of the players Memphis has acquired have already been traded or waived, assuming Juan Hernangomez gets shipped to Boston, Barnes notes. He adds that Daniel Oturu, who was part of a deal with the Clippers, is unlikely to remain on the roster when the season starts.
Barnes points out that the deals didn’t address the Grizzlies’ most pressing needs, which are three-point shooting and scoring off the bench. Starters Jonas Valanciunas and Grayson Allen were traded away, and Barnes sees their likely replacements, Steven Adams and Ziaire Williams, as a step down.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Even if Jarrett Culver earns a roster spot with the Grizzlies after two disappointing seasons in Minnesota, it figures to be a short-term arrangement, Barnes adds in the same story. Memphis has a November 1 deadline to pick up Culver’s $8.1MM option for 2022/23, and Barnes doesn’t expect the team to make that commitment so early in the season.
- Former WNBA star Swin Cash talked about her front office role with the Pelicans during an interview with Alexa Philippou of The Hartford Courant. “Coming in, the biggest thing was (executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin) let me know because of what I was bringing, he really needed me to be that person, that glue, that can see what we need, can get in front of it, can build it and understanding the player’s perspective, understanding the front office perspective,” Cash said. “And so that’s how I kind of approach my day. I wear multiple hats, but I’m never too far away from decisions that are being made within our organization and having a seat at that table and being able to contribute in a very organic way.”
- Matt Nielsen is the latest young coach who should benefit from being on Gregg Popovich’s staff, observes Mike Finger of The San Antonio Express News. Nielsen, who is replacing Will Hardy, continues the Spurs‘ preference for hiring inexperienced coaches whenever they have an opening.
Just like the last three SW notes, nothing regarding what should potentially be the most exciting team to watch in the division (that’s always flying under the radar).
However there is a rumor that they are going to re-sign Dante Exum, although it would surely be for the minimum (and not fully guaranteed). This could also mean that Danuel House is on the move, which will allow Jalen Green to wear his #4 this season without having to buy it from House. JG4 could have an historic rookie year.
The fact that you keep track of stuff like that is pretty funny. As a Spurs fan, I am completely secure in the fact that we hardly get any attention anywhere.
Rockets suck . He only trolls for reaction. Doesn’t care about Ball.
Spurs also did nothing this offseason but take steps backwards
It was time honestly that DD and LA team had run its course. I’m not sold on anything but I do like Primo a lot
It’s hilarious how everyone here bases their opinion of the Rockets completely on their record last season. Despite the fact that it was hugely affected by record-setting roster turnover and injuries resulting in 30 different players playing for the team with its 43 various starting lineups. This resulted in the team’s worst record since 1983, and only the fourth time in franchise history they ever lost 55 games (two of which were in the 60’s when the team was in San Diego). And for the record it has been 37 years since the Rockets had back-to-back losing seasons, plus they have made the playoffs 33 times in the last 47 years. So all this talk about them being in the lottery for the next 5 years is completely ridiculous.
I can’t wait to see the progress this team makes over the next few years, and when it happens I’ll be here to watch everyone eat crow.
Funny how robohouston was waiting for HR to cover this nonexistant breaking jersey news and JG nicknaming. Call it your job. After all, HOU is under the radar.
Grizzlies
1. Ja. Jones. Melton
2. Brooks. Bane. Culver
3. Anderson. Williams. Konchar
4. JJJ. Clarke. Aldama
5. Adams. Tilman. Oturu
That’s what i see is their best 15 man roster.
No moves really helped them with a playoff push or anything but long term wise they got some interesting young players that could be handy.
Taking Williams 10, was a reach when they could’ve taken Bouknight, Moody or Kispert. Same with Aldama at 30, they could’ve taken Todd, JRE or traded down and ended up with Cooper, Garza or Boston Jr.
Not to mention they trade which got them a downgrade at centre.
Personally I would like to see them finish with 1 last big trade.
Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson and either Jones or Melton plus a second round pick for Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody.
GSW would end up with some depth and quality role players. Brooks would be great while Thompson is out, Anderson is perfect playing at either forward spot or off the bench, and Jones/Melton provide some depth behind Curry which they really lack.
Memphis gets back an upgrade at SF in Wiggins, who at 26 gives you 20-5-3 most nights. He’s improved a lot as a shooter and could also play as a second ball handler outside of Ja. This trade would then open up the starting SG spot which would be open for competition between Moody, Bane and Williams. 3 young guys all with nice potential vying for 1 spot.
Plus in the future, you’d have Wiggins and Adams both going off contract in the same offseason which would free up money to put into extensions or FA’s.
The Grizzlies GM played 2k this off-season let’s see what happens!!
Culver needs to wake up. Could be on his way out. Minimum contract lifer. Liked him coming out in draft. Grizz are banking on Ziaire Williams. He looks like a rgood mix with Morant. Grizz are a young team still. Ziaire has good size and game. Has to grow into body. He looks like a solid 2way player. Jackson is just coming into his own. Clarke was a nice pickup. Culver wakes up he can give them depth. Their top players are all still young.