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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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NBA Free Agency
NBA free agency Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Memphis Grizzlies

Key Additions: Eric Bledsoe (trade); Steven Adams (trade); Sam Merrill (trade)

Key Departures: Justice Winslow (LA Clippers); Jonas Valanciunas (trade to New Orleans); Grayson Allen (trade to Milwaukee)

The skill of the Memphis Grizzlies over the past few seasons in the draft and via trades has resulted in a roster with very few needs. They go at least two-deep at every position, and that meant they would always be quiet in free agency as they didn’t have roster slots that needed filling.

Instead, they used their cap space to facilitate a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, moving up in the draft and snaring a future first-round pick to take on the contracts of Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams, two players who might be slightly overpaid but are both good two-way players who can also help the Grizzlies win.

Finally, they made a trade with the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, getting back Sam Merrill and a pair of future second-round picks in exchange for Grayson Allen. While Allen started 38 games for Memphis last season, he is the team’s third-best 2-guard behind Dillon Brooks and D’Anthony Melton and the Grizzlies drafted his replacement in Desmond Bane. Memphis gets value for him now before he reaches the end of his rookie deal.

Grade: B

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