Memphis Grizzlies: 5 potential free agency targets in 2018

By Tim Maclean | Jun 30, 2018

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 17: Avery Bradley #22 of the Detroit Pistons shoots as DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors defends at Air Canada Centre on January 17, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

2. Will Barton

2017-18 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.0 SPG

Will Barton decided to bet on himself this past season when he declined a four-year, $42 million contract extension from the Denver Nuggets. The good news is he went on to have the best season of his career; the bad news is very few teams will be able to offer him the kind of deal he thinks he deserves thanks to the spending spree that occurred in 2016.

Instead, Barton will likely have to settle for the full mid-level exception and the Grizzlies would be smart to consider being the ones who give it to him.

The six-year veteran showed an ability to contribute in a number of ways coming off the Nuggets’ bench last season and wound up finishing fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. Perhaps the most surprising aspect, though, was the way he was able to set up his teammates when serving as the primary ball-handler. His 4.1 assists per game were by far a career-high.

Barton was even better as a starter. In the 40 games where he was on the floor for the opening tip, he averaged 17.7 points per game while shooting 40.4 percent from downtown, grabbing 5.6 boards and handing out 4.6 assists as well. Memphis could be looking for a new starter on the wing this summer and Barton could be the answer.

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