The Memphis Grizzlies are hell-bent to keep their point guard/center tandem of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol for more years, to the extent that they are allowing key players like Tony Allen, Vince Carter and Jamychal Green to explore the free agency market this summer. These three players were big contributors for the Grizzlies during the 2016-17 season and playoffs, and will be good commodities on the market.
Tony Allen
The grizzled veteran wing defender will hit the market this offseason with a desire to stay in Memphis for the remainder of his career.
Allen, who averaged 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game last season, is expected to command a contract worth at least $15 million per year – which the over-the-cap Grizzlies cannot afford.
However, Allen stressed during the exit interviews that he’s not looking to break the bank, and is hopeful that he and the Grizzlies' front office can work something out. Then again, he could be tempted by the massive contracts teams will be shelling out this summer. The Denver Nuggets emerged as the biggest threat to snatch Allen from the Grizz because of their desire to improve wing defense and buying power ($11M-$30M if Danillo Gallinari opts out).
Vince Carter
Carter continues to be pure insanity in his own special way after proving that he can still contribute even at his age.
At 40-years-old, Carter expressed his desire to extend his career for two more years, and teams will certainly be interested in a reliable veteran who still shoots well from beyond the arc (37 percent during reg-season, 40 percent in the playoffs). The Boston Celtics are viewed as the strongest contender to get Carter’s services, but a reunion north of the border in Toronto is also an option.
JaMychal Green
According to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, Green might be heading for a huge payday because of the versatility he brings on both ends of the floor. Green averaged just over 8 points and 7 rebounds a game last season, but his ability to defend pick-and-rolls and knock down treys (38 percent) makes him a hot item in the free agency market.
“Power forwards who switch pick-and-rolls, defend in space, provide a second layer of rim protection, and shoot at above-average rates from deep are hot commodities around these parts. Memphis will count itself as lucky if a rival general manager doesn't fling four years and $60 million at Green,” writes Favale.
Again, Green is bound for a huge pay hike, and cap-rich teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets will be lining up this offseason.
