Just when things got quiet for the Memphis Grizzlies This offseason, the team suddenly made an additional transaction.

The Grizzlies Striker Mamadi Diakite was released on Tuesday, open up a roster spot. Since they don’t have many rotation questions, filling Diakite’s roster spot may not be an immediate need, but it’s a notable move.

Memphis now has 14 players under standard contract with the option to add a 15th. All three of the Grizzlies’ two-way contract slots are filled.

Tax implications, depth and development are all factors to consider in their next move.

Here are three ways they might approach the vacancy on the roster.

Promote a two-way player

The team has assembled a talented group of players on two-way contracts: point guard Scotty Pippen Jr., rookie point guard Cam Spencer and center Jay Huff.

You could say every player deserves it. Pippen was the most productive of the three after an exceptional summer league and promising results last season with the Grizzlies. Spencer, a second-round pick in 2024, is one of the best shooters in the draft and has proven himself in summer league that his three-point shot was no accident. Huff is the most recent player acquired, but his 7-foot-1 frame and ability to shoot 3-pointers while protecting the basket would be a welcome depth piece at center.

Pippen and Huff are the two most logical options, as neither can be on a two-way contract after this season. Memphis can still review Spencer’s contract before next season, but time is running out for Pippen and Huff. As of now, they wouldn’t be allowed to be active for more than 50 games this season on a two-way contract.

Leave the 15th spot free for future flexibility

The team doesn’t need to rush. There’s no rule that says the 15th spot has to be filled. The Grizzlies have enough depth and versatility on their roster to carry 14 players into the regular season. That will give them the flexibility to use it if injuries cause depth issues, or in a scenario where they acquire two players and trade one.

Add a piece of depth

Memphis has depth, but if you want to be picky, there are some areas that could use a little more confidence. The team has the ability to play Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. at center for long stretches of games. That trio includes a rookie, a small center and a player with somewhat worrisome rebounding and defensive blocking numbers at the 5, respectively.

Ja Morant’s primary backup is another option, but Derrick Rose could be used in that role, plus Desmond Bane has become an on-ball option.

If a depth player is the choice, adding a cheap center who keeps Memphis under the tax but adds physicality and size would be the way to go.

FAN TRAINING INFORMATION: Memphis Grizzlies Announce Date and Time for Annual Open Fan Practice

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article was originally published on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What the Grizzlies could do with their roster space after waiving Mamadi Diakite

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