10. Memphis Grizzlies
Key offseason move: Acquiring Marcus Smart
After a rollercoaster of a second half of the season for the Memphis Grizzlies and a somewhat disastrous ending in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, it was clear that changes were going to come for the team during the offseason. And they did come. As was expected, the Grizzlies officially parted ways with Dillon Brooks who went out to sign a huge free-agency deal with the Houston Rockets.
But that wasn’t even the biggest change for the team. Memphis completed a blockbuster three-team deal to land Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics. Considering that Ja Morant will miss the first 25 games of the season due to a suspension, Smart should help stabilize the Grizzles to start the season. He’ll also play a big role for the team when Morant does return to action.
The Grizzlies should be a contender next season in the West, but it’s only natural to believe they’re going to take somewhat of a step back. As is almost always the case, their season is going to fall on the shoulders of Morant. If he can stay out of trouble, remain healthy, and continue to play at a high level, this is an extremely talented group.