The Memphis Grizzlies have their sights set on the top of the Western Conference. A year ago, they were the exciting young team that had an impressive regular season for the second year in a row. Ja Morant’s suspension and a series of injuries made for a disastrous season. The Grizzlies have plenty of doubters, but that hasn’t shaken their belief in them.
Morant has recovered from shoulder surgery and is cleared for basketball activities. Memphis should enter training camp healthy, and signing the college player of the year to replace Steven Adams at the five gives them a chance to get back in the game quickly. The Grizzlies are certainly a dangerous team on paper, but other obstacles could stand in their way.
The Grizzlies brought back Luke Kennard but designed his contract to stay under the luxury tax limit. It’s clear the franchise has no plans to pay, but things get complicated when you consider that their current roster could push them over the limit.
Kennard is one of three players whose contract for the 2024-25 season includes an improbable bonus. The Grizzlies are $810,981 under the tax line and that amount is not calculated until the end of the year. Bane has $1.1 million in improbable bonuses and Kennard’s over $1.3 million. Clark has a $500,000 bonus if the Grizzlies win the championship. Memphis would be happy to pay that, but being over the tax line is costly because the franchise doesn’t get a share of the taxes collected.
If Kennard or Bane are on track to get their bonuses, the Grizzlies will likely make a cost-saving move before the trade deadline. Derrick Rose and Mamadi Diakite seem like the most likely options to be cut from their roster, but it could be all to save a few million.
Memphis is unlikely to join unless they can cut costs in the deal. They have the talent to get back into contention but can’t fill gaps that appear as the season progresses. It’s a tricky situation for a team looking to compete for a title, but the franchise is taking an offensive approach to it.
If the bonuses remain unlikely, the Grizzlies could add a small amount to improve their roster before the deadline. They seem determined to avoid the tax, but Memphis isn’t afraid to come just under that limit.
Things are looking good for the Memphis Grizzlies. They just came out of a disastrous season and are ready to get back into the playoffs. Fans are excited to see Ja Morant back on the court and can’t wait to witness their rise. It promises to be a fun season in Grind City, so don’t miss it.
