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Memphis Grizzlies: Taking a look at the new arrivals

By Jake Peterson

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 9: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies smiles during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 9: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies smiles during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Delon Wright

Contract situation:

  • 2018-19: $2.5 million
  • 2019-20: $3.6 million (restricted free agency)

What can Delon Wright do for the Grizzlies now?

Delon Wright is the real “prize” in all of these trade discussions, being the sort of young player the Grizzlies were looking for. “Sort of” young is important, because while Wright is still on his rookie deal, he turns 27 in April and is older than Valanciunas.

Wright will instantly assume the role of backup point guard, providing relief minutes for Mike Conley — something the team has never really had during Conley’s tenure.

Wright’s production slipped in his fourth year, seeing his minutes and shooting go down. Wright was unable to provide the value that Fred VanVleet provided, and shifted into a third point guard and backup shooting guard for the bench unit.

Much like Miles, the team was better with Wright sitting on the bench, putting up a 114.5 offensive rating while he was out of the game. Wright earns his worth on the defensive end, as the 6’6″ guard has a long wingspan, averaging two deflections and a steal per game in his limited playing time.

Wright is by no means someone to jump up and down with joy over, but he will provide solid play as a backup for the Grizzlies and is young enough to stick around on the team.

Does Wright fit in with the Grizzlies’ future plans?

Most definitely, as he is the one player from all these trades that looks to be in Memphis for the next few years. He may never develop into anything more than a quality rotation player, but the Grizzlies can’t just give up on the young talent in this deal.

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If the Grizzlies move Conley this summer, he will have some big shoes to fill, but by then the team will be in full tank mode. Playing younger players is a good way to do so.

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