After summer league and free agency, here's what's next for Memphis Grizzlies' offseason
Most of the heavy lifting this offseason is done for the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 15-man roster is filled, and two of the three two-way spots are occupied. Memphis made bold moves by trading away Desmond Bane and eventually moving up in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft to acquire Cedric Coward with the 11th overall pick.
It’s finally time for things to settle in. With names like Russell Westbrook, Malcolm Brogdon and Ben Simmons still unsigned in free agency, there will be more moves made. However, it’s unlikely the Grizzlies will be involved in those discussions.
They have put together deep groups on the wing and at the guard spots. In the frontcourt, the rotation is pretty much set in stone (when the players are healthy).
Preseason camp is still roughly two months away.
Here are three things to keep an eye on for the remainder of the Grizzlies' offseason.
Sign Jahmai Mashack
The pen still hasn’t hit the paper. While the expectation is that rookie Jahmai Mashack will occupy the final two-way spot, a deal still hasn’t been reached. Mashack, the last pick in the NBA draft, showcased impressive defense during the summer league, and he was serviceable on offense with solid playmaking and shooting.
Memphis is deep on the perimeter, but having a player like Mashack in the fold will make the perimeter defense even better. And besides, his playing style would strongly resonate with the fan base.
Monitor progression of Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey
Keeping a close eye on the progress of Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. is a must. Both are expected to be back early this season, but when specifically is unknown. Missing one of these two players would be tough, but playing without both would put Memphis in a much more tenuous position.
The absence of Jackson’s scoring ability will be magnified with Bane no longer on the roster. Edey’s development under Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo toward the end of the previous season had people excited.
The sooner those two are back, the better chance Memphis has at reaching its goals.
Awaiting the NBA schedule
The NBA is expected to release its full schedule in mid-August. Memphis is one of the teams that will be watching as closely as anyone.
With the injuries to Jackson and Edey, the difficulty of the front half of the schedule could paint the picture on how the Grizzlies' season might play out. Last season, they had a schedule that was front-loaded with games against Eastern Conference teams.
Because the East is expected to be the weaker conference again, perhaps the schedule makers will look out for the Grizzlies again. If not — well, Edey and Jackson had better heal at fast rates.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.