An interesting free agency period awaits the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis concluded the NBA draft by acquiring a center and two of the best shooters available, but those three players will be rookies. The fact that Memphis selected three players has brought even more intrigue to the rest of the summer.

With Yuta Watanabe declining his player option and Lamar Stevens entering free agency, Memphis had two open roster spots. Guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and center Trey Jemison also are on two of the three available two-way contacts.

First-round pick Zach Edey will sign a standard deal, giving Memphis 14 players on the main roster. The Grizzlies only have one two-way spot open, so second-round pick Jaylen Wells is also likely headed for a standard deal while fellow rookie second-rounder Cam Spencer gets the last two-way spot.

NBA teams can officially start talking to league-wide players at 6 p.m. Sunday. Here are the biggest needs for the Grizzlies in free agency.

Grizzlies could add one more big man even after drafting Zach Edey

Before drafting Edey, Memphis had very little depth at center. He helps solve the problem, but the Grizzlies could double down and add another player to give the position more options.

Even if Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. will spend time at center, it’s good to have a solid backup in case of injuries. Think Xavier Tillman Sr., who served this role well and was an important piece in Memphis whenever Steven Adams or Clarke were injured. The Grizzlies do not have a player filling that role.

Memphis would be bargain-shopping, using its mid-level exception or going to get a player for the veteran’s minimum to fill this need. Those price tags come with limited options, but you’re not exactly looking for the next Marc Gasol to fill that spot anyway.

Potential options: Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic), JaVale McGee (Sacramento Kings), Andre Drummond (Chicago Bulls), Jalen Smith (Indiana Pacers)

Grizzlies need another wing shooter

You can never have enough shooters in the NBA, and the same can almost be said for wings. The Boston Celtics won a title by having a rotation filled with versatile wings and shooters.

Memphis has a bunch of wings, but only Luke Kennard, Desmond Bane and Vince Williams Jr. shot above league average on 3-pointers last season. Drafting Wells should help in this area, but what if the rookie isn’t ready to play right away? Adding an experienced option would strengthen one of the Grizzlies’ weakest offensive areas.

Potential options: Justin Holiday (Denver Nuggets), Jae Crowder (Milwaukee Bucks), Eric Gordon (Phoenix Suns)

MORE ON ZACH EDEY: Zach Edey is 7-foot-4, but here are 4 other things to know about Memphis Grizzlies' draft pick

Point guard depth after Ja Morant, Derrick Rose

Memphis has one of the best starting point guards in the NBA in Ja Morant, but his availability has been sporadic. Derrick Rose is a solid backup, but the major question there is also availability.

Memphis has Marcus Smart and Desmond Bane capable of playing point guard roles in a pinch, but those two are better off the ball. There’s also Pippen on a two-way deal. Memphis could at least bring in an extra body for the preseason to ensure that the team’s most valuable position has depth.

Potential options: Delon Wright (Miami Heat), Aaron Holiday (Houston Rockets), Monte Morris (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grizzlies: NBA free agency best options for Memphis in 2024