Grizzlies
Jerami Grant arrived in Memphis as part of the trade that sent Ja Morant to Portland. Now the Grizzlies have to determine exactly where he fits.
Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal examined that question, particularly with No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer expected to command significant minutes at power forward.
Grant has played primarily at the four in recent seasons, and Trail Blazers reporter Sean Highkin told Cole that’s clearly his best position at this stage of his career. Memphis, though, also has Karim Lopez and GG Jackson competing for minutes at forward.
That could force Grant to spend more time at small forward.
One thing Grant should provide regardless of position is spacing. His ability to knock down threes could be particularly useful around Boozer and center Zach Edey.
Heat
Klay Thompson is officially headed to Miami.
Thompson signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Heat after clearing waivers Sunday, as relayed by ESPN. The second year is a player option, while Sam Amick and Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic report that the deal includes a 15 percent trade kicker.
The move had been expected after Thompson reached a buyout agreement with the Mavericks. He reportedly surrendered about $9.8 million of the $17.5 million he had been owed by Dallas.
Miami had been looking for another high-volume perimeter shooter, and Thompson certainly still qualifies. The 36-year-old averaged a career-low 11.7 points in 21.7 minutes last season, but connected on 38.3 percent of his 7.6 attempts from beyond the arc.
He also has remained remarkably durable after missing two-plus seasons earlier in his career, appearing in at least 69 games in each of the past four years.
Thompson should have an opportunity to compete for a starting job with the new-look Heat, though his role late in games could vary depending on matchups. Pelle Larsson figures to be among coach Erik Spoelstra’s more defensive-minded options when necessary.
Thunder
The Thunder fell short of a return trip to the NBA Finals last season, losing to the Spurs in the Western Conference finals. Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman identified several areas in which Oklahoma City’s returning players could help change that this time around.
Alex Caruso, for instance, may be asked to assume some of the difficult defensive assignments that previously went to Luguentz Dort, who was traded during the offseason.
Chet Holmgren‘s challenge could come at the other end.
Holmgren struggled at times to establish himself offensively during the playoffs, particularly with Oklahoma City shorthanded. Martinez writes that becoming a more assertive offensive presence in the postseason should be among Holmgren’s primary goals entering the new season.
For a Thunder team that still expects to contend for a championship, another step from Holmgren would certainly help.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
