The Memphis Grizzlies appear to have accomplished their offseason goals. The Grizzlies made a big splash by dealing Desmond Bane to Orlando, but they also made some small yet important changes to solidify their roster. One of these subtle moves occurred last night when the Grizzlies swapped backup centers.
Memphis is coming off a solid season, despite Ja Morant missing over a quarter of the season. After winning just 27 games in 2023-24, the Grizzlies went 47-25 this past season to finish eighth in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies were then swept in the first round by Oklahoma City as Morant was forced out of Game 3 in the second quarter and sat out Game 4.
Memphis’ primary goals heading into the offseason were to continue developing their young players and enhance their defense. The center position was a little bit of an issue for the Grizzlies. While Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. had excellent seasons manning the middle for the Grizzlies, Edey only averaged 21 minutes a game, and Jackson Jr. is better suited for the four.
Grizzlies Must Make 1 More Roster Move After Swapping Centers
Speaking of Eady and Jackson Jr., their offseason will be spent recovering from surgeries. As a result, neither player may be ready to go by the time the 2025-26 regular season begins. Eady underwent ankle surgery in early June and is slated to miss the beginning of the season.
Meanwhile, Jackson Jr. underwent turf toe surgery early last week and won’t be reevaluated until the start of training camp. Therefore, Jackson will likely miss some training camp and may not be fully ready to start the season. If that were the case, the Grizzlies would have only had Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke, GG Jackson II, and Jay Huff at the four and five positions. None of the four has been a full-time starter.
The potential of being shorthanded is why the Grizzlies signed veteran free agent Jock Landale, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Free agent center Jock Landale has agreed to a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell ESPN,” Charania tweeted yesterday. “Landale solidifies the Grizzlies frontcourt as the team and his agent, Sammy Wloszczowski of SIG Sports, reach terms.”
Landale had spent the last two seasons with the Houston Rockets. The 29-year-old Australian is a reserve big who is an excellent offensive rebounder.
Offensively, Landale is at his best around the basket, excelling in pick-and-rolls and screening overall. The 6-11 center is a good passer and generally a good post defender, though he did struggle on that end this past season. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko reported that Landale’s contract is for one year and the league minimum.
What’s Next After The Grizzlies Swap Center
With Landale’s signing, Memphis had 17 players on standard contracts. To open up a spot, Memphis sent Jay Huff to Indiana. Charania said that the Grizzlies receive a future second-round pick and the right to swap a future second-round pick.
So, with the Grizzlies projected to have 16 players on standard deals, they will have to make another. Cedric Coward, the No. 11 pick in this draft, has not yet officially signed his deal. When Coward does, he will be the 16th player on a standard contract.
Memphis reportedly gave Cole Anthony, acquired in the deal, permission to find a trade partner. However, that doesn’t mean Anthony will be traded before the start of training camp or the season. The problem for the Grizzlies is that there are only one or two teams below the NBA salary cap, meaning they will likely have to take back a player or two.
Therefore, trading Anthony may not be worth it. There are a couple of caveats. Suppose the Grizzlies can send two players, including Anthony, for a player and a draft asset, or two draft assets, and a trade exception. Or they get back a player (or players) making considerably less than Anthony ($13.1 million) or a couple of players whose contracts aren’t fully guaranteed.
If Anthony isn’t traded, the Grizzlies have other options. The Grizzlies were also reportedly evaluating John Konchar’s trade value. Konchar has two years and $12.3 million left on his deal. Waiving or trading Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. are also options.
Other Moves The Grizzlies Must Make
Speaking of Spencer, the 25-year-old guard was one of the stars in the Grizzlies’ victory over Oklahoma City in the opener of the Salt Lake City Summer League. Spencer finished the game with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 28 minutes. While Spencer shot the ball well — 5 of 8 from the field and 2 of 4 from the 3-point line — he committed four turnovers.
Jaylen Wells, Armando Bacot, and Jackson also showed well in the Griz’s first game of the summer. Meanwhile, Zyon Pullin struggled, missing eight of his nine shots. Pullin, on a two-way contract for 2025-26, finished the game with eight points, five assists, and three turnovers.
Even though Pullin is already on a two-way deal, it would be easy for the Grizzlies to cut him since he doesn’t count against the cap. I’m not saying that’s what they will do. However, teams often recycle two-way players.
Open Two-Way Spots
Memphis has two open two-way roster spots. However, the Grizzlies’ 2025 second-round picks, Jahmai Mashack and Javon Small, are likely to take those two spots. If Pullin isn’t retained, it would make sense for Bacot to get the spot if he performs well during the summer and training camp. Bacot, 25, would provide even more depth up front for the Grizzlies.
Another potential option for one of the two-way spots, according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, is Will Magnay. Magnay has been playing overseas since being waived by New Orleans in April 2021. The 6-10 Australian appeared in one game for the Pelicans.
“Will Magnay has been in Memphis for the past week, and the Grizzlies say he’ll be with them for the 2025 NBA Summer League,” Uluc tweeted yesterday. “There’s enough chatter that the Grizzlies are legitimately considering adding the Australian big to their roster in some capacity for the 2025-26 season.”
Photo Credit: © Thomas Shea, Imagn Image
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