$49 million can buy you a lot, and the Memphis Grizzlies are counting on it buying them a new lease on NBA life.
Memphis’ initially lethargic rebuild was kick-started over the past 16 months. First, they landed probable-star Jaren Jackson Jr in a loaded 2018 draft, then, improbably, snuck up the 2019 lottery to steal Ja Morant at #2.
With a high-upside foundation in place, the Grizzlies’ next task is to surround Jackson and Morant with as much sustainable, complementary talent as possible. And they’re giving themselves a great head-start.
Memphis’ salary-cap scenario has quickly turned from nightmare to imminent liberation.