The Memphis Grizzlies didn’t make any major roster changes this summer. By returning a group similar to the one that finished second in the Western Conference before last season’s injury-plagued year off, Memphis figures to be able to compete with its current group of players.
By selecting Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Memphis has addressed a center situation that has been unclear since Steven Adams was traded at last year’s deadline. Aside from the addition of Edey, Memphis has been largely quiet, suggesting they like the group they have.
While the Grizzlies could very well re-enter the Western Conference playoff picture without any major roster additions, they appear at least one step away from truly contending for a title.
Memphis Grizzlies 2024-25 Projected 10-Man Depth Chart:
PG: Morant, Smart
SG: Bane, Kennard
SF: Williams Jr., Jackson II
PF: Jackson Jr., Aldama
C: Edey, ClarkeWhere will they end up? 👀🐻 pic.twitter.com/I1hvVkriVF
— GrizzMuse (@GrizzlyMuse) August 1, 2024
The emergence of Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson last season was one of the few bright spots for Memphis in an otherwise forgettable year. Both players likely earned spots in the rotation for next season, but if Memphis wants more scoring and experience in its starting five, a deal for Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma could make sense.
In a report released earlier this offseason, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype revealed that teams across the league value Kuzma’s dwindling contract, and the Wizards would likely need to receive multiple first-round picks if they were to consider trading the 2020 NBA champion from the Los Angeles Lakers.
KUZ. 👌
📊 32 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST pic.twitter.com/2V4rIxEBXL
—Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 11, 2024
Given what has been reported, a potential trade of Kuzma to Memphis could look something like this (Thanks to Spotrac):
The Grizzlies receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
In his report on Kuzma’s interest around the league, Scotto added that the Mikal Bridges and DeJounte Murray trade packages helped influence Washington’s desire to receive multiple first-round picks in any Kuzma deal.
Losing Smart would be bad for Memphis, as their defense at the back end gives them a different dynamic than their other backs. That said, the 30-year-old played just 20 games last season due to injuries and is owed more than $20 million in each of the next two seasons.
Unless they plan to build their team around a three-point lineup of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Smart, Memphis may not want to invest that much money in a backup point guard. As for Washington, Smart could help them establish a more serious culture after only 15 wins last season.
We get better every time we go out. One at a time. The guys are working like crazy. I love it and the direction we’re going. pic.twitter.com/UbjxNkdRNe
— Marcus Smart (@smart_MS3) October 31, 2023
Offensive production from their power forward position is an area that the Grizzlies have lacked in recent years. While Kuzma has spent a lot of time at the power forward position in his NBA career, he could fit in nicely alongside Morant, Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. as an additional scoring threat.
Ja Morant excites Memphis Grizzlies fans in latest practice footage
Eight-year NBA veteran and former Grizzlies player joins new team in Portugal
Ja Morant reacts to viral LeBron James-Steph Curry moment during USA-France game
