NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Tyreke Evans

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 20: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 20, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

5. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are in salary cap hell. They’re paying Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, and Chandler Parsons a combined $78 million next season. That’s a lot of money committed to a core that can’t stay healthy and has a second round ceiling.

Memphis signed Evans for a reason last summer. They were willing to take a chance on a guy who hasn’t been the same since his rookie season in hopes he would alleviate some scoring woes. Thanks to injuries, it worked. Evans played himself into a big contract. A contract the Grizzlies appear willing to commit to.

By not trading him at the deadline, the Grizzlies made a commitment to Evans. For all we know, they explicitly told him, “we’ll take care of you this offseason.” If that’s the case, Chandler Parsons may want to look for a new place to live. Whether Evans was told something by management or we’re left to read between the lines, it appear obvious that Memphis wants to retain him.

As of now, the best they can do is give him the mid-level exception. But they can give him term on that contract, something other teams might not be willing to do. Evans is 28, has shown no NBA consistency, and uncertain health. Maybe Evans can get more money from another team, but can he get three or four years from another team?

If he’s willing to sacrifice money for term, chances are he’s already signed with the Grizzlies and we just don’t know it yet. Otherwise, what was Memphis doing at the deadline?

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