Memphis Grizzlies: What Does The Future Hold For Beale Street Bears?

Clearing Cap Space

In a perfect world world, the Memphis Grizzlies would dump the $72,321,773 that will be paid to Chandler Parsons over the next three seasons. The more realistic outcome, however, is that Parsons will be given a chance to redeem himself after an injury-plagued 2016-17 season.

Nevertheless, one can’t help but feel as though the Grizzlies would benefit from replacing Parsons with a cast of players who can create viable depth.

If trading Parsons proves problematic, then the Grizzlies could make a more realistic move by dealing Brandan Wright. Wright is due $5,955,760 in 2017-18, but he’s appeared in a combined 40 games during his first two seasons in Memphis.

If a team is willing to take a one-year gamble on Wright, or if the Grizzlies opt to buy out his contract, that could create an opportunity to make a splash in free agency.

The harsh reality is that Memphis’ limited cap space could prevent it from making a serious splash in free agency. The Grizzlies are in desperate need of improved depth, however, and moving Wright could mean replacing him with a player with less injury concerns.

Whether it’s creating cap space or simply replacing Wright with a player who will be available to play at all—a move that would be progress unto itself.