Grading the 2019 NBA offseason for all 30 franchises
Memphis Grizzlies
Before the Memphis Grizzlies could officially step into the next phase of their existence, they first had to cut ties with the last remaining remnant of the Grit-‘n’-Grind era.
By trading Mike Conley, the Grizzlies said goodbye to their all-time leading scorer and floor general for the most prosperous era in franchise history.
For as difficult as it was to say goodbye to a fan-favorite, the trade didn’t happen without reason.
Having lucked into the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Memphis selected Conley’s heir apparent in Ja Morant, an athletic point guard and the first NCAA player to ever average over 20 points and 10 assists per game in a single season.
Morant now makes up half of one of the most exciting young duos alongside All-Rookie First-Team member Jarren Jackson Jr.
Later in the draft, the Grizzlies also managed to acquire Brandon Clarke, whose Summer League MVP effort has fans excited about his pairing next to JJJ in the frontcourt.
Speaking of the frontcourt, Memphis also managed to re-sign deadline acquisition Jonas Valanciunas to a relatively cheap three-year, $45 million deal. Despite appearing in just 19 games last season, Valanciunas posted the best numbers of his career with 19.9 points and 10.7 rebounds a game and is just now entering his prime at 27.
The Grizzlies received a future first-round pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Conley.
They also added another first-rounder from Golden State by taking on the expiring deal of Andre Iguodala, a highly sought after wing who could easily net Memphis another pick to add to its collection.
There was also the addition of Josh Jackson, a former top-five pick Phoenix was desperate to move on from.
It’s never easy for a team to rebuild from the ground up, especially those residing in a small market.
The Grizzlies have now locked up arguably the games most important position for the next decade or so along with an impressive youngster in Clarke and some extra draft compensation. Not a bad way to make the tough transition that was all but inevitable.
Grade: A-