Sports
2023 NBA free agency updates: Tracking Memphis Grizzlies moves … – Commercial Appeal
NBA free agency is underway.
The Memphis Grizzlies entered with one roster spot and a $12.9 midlevel exception to use on a veteran minimum contract. Desmond Bane was set for a a contract extension. With the loss of Tyus Jones in the Marcus Smart trade, the Grizzlies will need a backup point guard. Additionally, the Grizzlies still need a small forward and backup center.
After the signing of Smart ahead of the NBA draft, the Grizzlies have upgraded their roster by adding a tenacious and vocal leader they needed. However, multiple questions still arise, including the next destination of Dillon Brooks who seems to be on his way out.
Derrick Rose is expected to return to Memphis to play for the Grizzlies, according to multiple reports
Rose, who went to the University of Memphis during the 2007-08 season, is coming off a season when he only appeared in 27 games. The 14-year NBA veteran will be a nice addition to a young Grizzlies team off the bench. Rose can fill the spot of Jones, who was traded to the Wizards as part of the Marcus Smart deal.
Rose became one of the most iconic Tigers of all time in leading the program to the 2008 national title game. Rose averaged 14.9 points a game as a one-and-done freshman.
Dillon Brooks will get his pay day.
Brooks and the Rockets agreed to “a four-year, $80 million deal,” according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Before free agency began June 30, Brooks was already linked to the Rockets, based on a report from NBA Insider Marc Stein.
Brooks’ antics and inconsistent shooting made him polarizing in Memphis.
Following an early exit from the playoffs, Brooks wanted more with his contract during free agency, but the Grizzlies had limited room to bring him back for the contract he desired.
Houston Rockets guard Josh Christopher is expected to join the Grizzlies, according to The Athletic.
Details of the trade are still finalizing.
It’s no surprise that Brooks likely will not wear a Grizzlies uniform by the time the 2023-24 season rolls around.
Brooks’ antics made him polarizing in Memphis, and rumors are swirling about his next possible destination.
Brooks has already been linked to the Houston Rockets, per NBA insider Marc Stein.
The departure of Jones to the Washington Wizards was a loss for the Grizzlies. Jones, who averaged 16.4 points and 8.1 assists in 22 starts last season, was more than serviceable as the backup point guard.
Now, as the Grizzlies wait for the return of Ja Morant from his 25 game suspension, the point guard rotation is left thin.
NBA free agency begins Friday at 5 p.m. CT, allowing players to receive offer sheets and agree in principle to contracts.
An annual moratorium, which prevents most contracts from being signed and trades from becoming official, begins July 1.
On July 6 at 11:01 p.m. CT, teams can begin finalizing free-agent deals.