NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Memphis Grizzlies

1. Fred VanVleet

Many of the players listed prior (or players of a similar caliber) are likely to require the Grizzlies to use their mid-level option, which is something the team could very likely just not do. VanVleet, who headed up Toronto’s bench efforts last season, could be had with less. He earned just over $1.3 million with the Raptors last year. His contract will be more in the coming seasons, but this almost Sixth Man of the Year may be worth it. He is one of the few Raptors who displayed any signs of life in the team’s somber sweep at the hands of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But the most important reason for signing a player like VanVleet is that he provides some Mike Conley insurance. VanVleet is best-suited for coming off the bench, but he could most likely handle a starter’s minutes. Conley hasn’t played in 70 games since the 2014-15 season, and his absence is likely losing the engine on a motorboat. The blasted thing just won’t go. With VanVleet on board, the bench is made more solid and bottom isn’t sunk.

Next: 20 best free agents available

There are of course other players Memphis could consider. Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart come to mind, possibly a Kyle Anderson or Seth Curry. Rodney Hood is out there somewhere wanting to play basketball, but not in too much light. Trades could happen. Some tweaking here; some tweaking there. Memphis seems destined to go down swinging, even if it’s at their own pixels.