Ryan Anderson: 5 potential destinations this summer

Dec 2, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

6 of 6

Mar 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) and Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are staring at a major crossroads. They have Mike Conley, who is an upcoming free agent, but they are currently a team that clearly isn’t going to compete this year. They have their major calling card of Marc Gasol, and can claim that Gasol’s injury is the reason for the downfall.

At the same time the core in Memphis is Gasol at 31 and Randolph at 34. Gasol is now coming off season-ending foot surgery and Randolph only will have one year left on his deal after this season. There is no way that Memphis can stay put and think that they will be competing for Conley.

They also have to feel like they cannot waste these next four years or so where they have an elite big man in the NBA. They will have to try to piece together a squad around the bigs, and a big man who can shoot seems like a perfect addition.

He can play with both Gasol and Randolph, and is an answer to the argument that the Grizzlies cannot stretch the floor enough. They could even look to trade Randolph and try to find another interesting piece to string together in an effort to extend at Conley. Nonetheless the addition of Anderson would give them a front court that can still make Memphis a potential contender after Randolph, and it may be enough to build around for a few more years.

Home/Indiana Pacers