A lot of the Memphis Grizzlies’ offseason objectives seem to have been met.
Although the trade of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic garnered headlines, the Grizzlies also made a number of minor but significant personnel moves to strengthen their position.
Last night’s backup center switch was one of these understated movements by the Grizzlies.
Despite Ja Morant missing more than a quarter of the season, Memphis still managed to have a respectable season. The Grizzlies improved their record from 2023–24, when they won 27 games, to 47–25 and eighth place in the Western Conference last season.
As a result of Morant’s early exit from Game 3 and subsequent benching in Game 4, the Grizzlies were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Continuing to develop their young players and improving their defense were Memphis’ key objectives going into the offseason.
The Grizzlies had a minor problem with the center position. The Grizzlies’ middle backcourt duo of Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr.
both had strong seasons, although Jackson Jr. is more comfortable playing four, while Edey played an average of just 21 minutes per game.
During the offseason, Eady and Jackson Jr. will focus on getting back to normal after undergoing operations.
Consequently, at the start of the 2025–26 regular season, neither player might be fully prepared.
Eady will not be able to play at the start of the season after undergoing ankle surgery in early June. Also, Jackson Jr. will not be reevaluated until training camp begins; he had surgery on his turf toe early last week.
As a result, Jackson might not be entirely prepared to begin the season and could miss a portion of training camp.
Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke, GG Jackson II, and Jay Huff would have been the sole Grizzlies options at the four and five spots if that had been the case. Of the four, not a single one has started every game.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Grizzlies signed veteran free agent Jock Landale because they were worried about being shorthanded. Charania tweeted Friday that the Memphis Grizzlies have signed free agency center Jock Landale, according to ESPN’s sources.
“The Grizzlies and Landale’s agent, Sammy Wloszczowski of SIG Sports, have reached an agreement, which will strengthen the frontcourt for the team.”
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 afuture 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.
Cole Anthony, who was acquired in the deal, allegedly had Memphis’ blessing to find a trade partner.
But that still doesn’t guarantee that Anthony will be dealt before the season or even training camp begins.
Since the Grizzlies are one of just two clubs below the NBA salary cap, they will almost certainly have to trade for a player or two.
Consequently, it might not be worthwhile to trade Anthony. A few conditions must be met.
Imagine if the Grizzlies had the option to deal Anthony and two players for a player and a draft asset, or two draft assets for a trade exception.
They might also obtain back a player or players whose contracts aren’t entirely guaranteed, or someone whose salary is far lower than Anthony’s $13.1 million.
The Grizzlies have other choices besides trading for Anthony. John Konchar’s trade value was allegedly also being assessed by the Grizzlies.
The remaining portion of Konchar’s contract is two years and $12.3 million. You also have the option to trade or waive Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr.
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 Mashackand 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.”
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