What free agents should the Grizzlies consider this offseason?
Last year, the Memphis Grizzlies were quiet in free agency as they chose to re-sign three players. With 15 players under contract next season, they don't have to be major players in free agency this summer, either. Should they decline Justise Winslow's $13 million club option before the Aug. 1 deadline, they'll have $22 million in cap space. However, this year's free agent class is regarded as a weak group due to lack of big names available. Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard are expected to pick up their player options for their respective teams next season, while Mike Conley could re-sign with the Utah Jazz. Miami Heat guard Victor Oladipo had surgery on the same right quadriceps that he injured in 2019. The Grizzlies could wait until 2022, when they'll have more cap space available to target a deeper free agent class. They also can grab an experienced player with the No. 17 pick in the draft later this month. However, they shouldn't settle if someone is available who can improve their bench scoring or 3-point shooting. Here's a few names the Grizzlies should keep an eye on when free agency begins Aug. 2. DeMar DeRozan, SG  DeMar DeRozan averaged 21.6 points and a career-high 6.9 assists in his 12th NBA season. However, the Spurs haven't made the playoffs the last two seasons and, at 32, DeRozan still has plenty to contribute for a contender or an up-and-coming team. He's averaged more than 20 points per game in each of the last eight seasons and has been effective both at the rim and as a mid-range shooter. DeRozan's not a high-volume 3-point shooter, but he can elevate a Grizzlies team that needs offense. He might also be willing to take a pay cut after earning $27.7 million this season. Nic Batum, SF  Nic Batum has been a reserve the last two seasons and hasn't averaged double-figure scoring in three years. But he's still a solid contributor after 13 NBA seasons  Batum shot 40.4% on 3-pointers this season, two years after shooting 38.9%. Like DeRozan, he has playoff experience, including this season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He'd also come on the cheap after making $2.5 million this year. More importantly, he knows his role and would complement whoever he's on the court with. His shooting also allows him to work in small-ball lineups as a floor spacer. Norman Powell, SG  Norman Powell was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Portland Trail Blazers at last season's deadline and had mixed results. He averaged 17 points in 27 games but struggled to be consistent in the playoffs. Powell is a former NBA champion and a great two-way player. He's shot 40.5% on 3-pointers over the last four seasons and, at 28, he can be a good veteran leader in a young locker room. The question is will he be on the market. He has a $11.6 million player option that he has to decide on by July 22. Killian Tillie, SF  This is cheating a bit because Killian Tillie is still on the Grizzlies roster, for now. He's a restricted free agent and, according to Spotrac, the team can extend a $1.5 million qualifying offer. He only played 18 games last season, yet general manager Zach Kleiman praised his shooting while mentioning the growth of this year's rookies. Tillie could be someone to watch in Summer League, and a positive showing could help his chances to crack the rotation next season. A Commercial Appeal subscription gets you unlimited access to the best inside information and updates on local sports, and the ability to tap into sports news from throughout the USA TODAY Network's 109 local sites. You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com