Avery Bradley had a tumultuous season this past year after being traded away from the Boston Celtics. After starting the year with the Detroit Pistons, Bradley fought through injury, and was accused of sexual assault before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a package for Blake Griffin. This off-season he’ll be looking for a fresh start, and according to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Memphis Grizzlies are interested in giving him that opportunity.
Hearing that the Grizzlies — who will be looking for wing upgrades with their mid-level exception — have Avery Bradley high among their free-agent targets
The Grizzlies are in the unique position of coming off of a wretched season, but still believing that with a few minor tweaks to the roster that they can compete for a playoff spot immediately. Point guard Mike Conley spent most of last season on the bench with injury, and the team was without a coach for most of the season due to a spat between star Marc Gasol and coach David Fizdale which resulted in Fizdale’s firing just 19 games into the season.
The Grizzlies believe that with health and stronger stability in the locker room that they can compete right now, despite the 22-60 record they posted last season. The horrid record did help Memphis land the number four overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft with which they selected Jaren Jackson Jr. from Michigan State. Between Gasol, Conley, Jackson, and a few free agency signings, Memphis may well be right in their assumptions of being able to compete.
Avery Bradley proved in Boston that he can be a strong contributor to any team. Despite being a tad undersized for the shooting guard position he typically plays, Bradley has developed a reputation of one of the best on-ball defenders in the league. Adding to his defensive presence, Bradley has developed a consistent shot from behind the arc that makes him the an archetype for the “3 and D” type of player that is so valuable in today’s NBA. Bradley will likely field many offers in free agency this year, but the Grizzlies seemingly have him at the top of their target list.
