With the 2022-23 NBA season right around the corner, the Grizzlies are ready to be contenders. Here’s a Memphis Grizzlies Offseason Summary.
The obvious number one priority for the Grizzlies was re-signing their first option, Ja Morant. After averaging 27.4 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 6.7 assists per game, Morant was presented wit the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award last year. He led the Grizzlies to the second round of the playoffs last year and will be important in the team’s future.
The Grizzlies signed Morant to a five-year maximum extension, where he’ll earn $193 million over those five years. This is the largest contract any Grizzlies player has held. With their first option secured, the Grizzlies looked for a supporting cast.
The Grizzlies have traded De’Anthony Melton for to the 76ers for shooting guard Danny Green. Green didn’t have his best season last year, averaging 5.9 points per game, the lowest he has averaged since 2011. Though the 35-year-old is out of his prime, he has three championships and brings a mature, winning mindset to the young Grizzlies squad.
In this trade, the Grizzlies do lose De’Anthony Melton, who was a large part of their offense in 2021. Melton averaged 10.8 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game with the Grizzlies last year. The 23-year-old guard was a part of the Grizzlies’ young core. But, Green may provide the veteran guidance the team needs.
Other than Morant and Green, a significant new Grizzlies member is Kenneth Lofton Jr. The 20-year-old rookie from Louisiana Tech averaged 16.5 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game in college last year. He then was chosen to play for the Grizzlies’ Summer league team. In their final Summer league game, he dropped 27 points and 12 rebounds, impressing Grizzlies star Ja Morant and eventually earning a roster spot.
The Grizzlies also re-signed Tyus Jones, a 26-year old point guard. Jones averaged 8.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game last year with the Grizzlies and looks to add scoring behind the primary point guard, Morant.
Other offseason actions from the Grizzlies include signing a contract extension with John Konchar and signing free agents Jacob Gilyard and Dakota Mathias.
With these changes, the Grizzlies can expect an exciting season. With Danny Green adding veteran guidance and young players fueling the Grizzlies’ energy and bench scoring, the team can truly be a contender this year.
Stay tuned for more breaking NBA content, including preseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.
Featured image courtesy of Justin Ford/Getty Images
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Avyay!
“From Our Haus to Yours“
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
