An aggressive offseason could signal the end for key Memphis Grizzlies role players

One of the most intriguing offseasons in Memphis Grizzlies history is on the horizon.

Roster construction and lengthy contracts have put the Grizzlies in a position to creatively upgrade for the 2023-24 season, and that could lead to saying goodbye to players who were integral to this season's success.

Memphis is expected to begin the offseason with 14 of the 15 roster spots solidified. Dillon Brooks isn't expected to return, so that opens one roster spot. Xavier Tillman Sr. has a team option that could open another spot in theory, but the Grizzlies were pleased with his performance in the absence of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke.

"(Tillman) is one of the guys who very much embodies our approach and what we're trying to be," Kleiman said. "... X is definitely part of the plan going into next season."

Kleiman said the Grizzlies want to be aggressive. Without Brooks returning, the most notable immediate need is upgrading the small forward position. The Grizzlies have a $12.2 million mid-level exception to use, and they also own the 25th pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

Neither of those options are likely to yield a small forward that can plateau the Grizzlies to their championship goals. That means Memphis will have to be aggressive on the trade market.

Here are some players who could be impacted.

OFFSEASON PLANS: What Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman said about Dillon Brooks' future, team offseason plans

GIANNOTTO: Dillon Brooks breakup is the start of a difficult offseason for Memphis Grizzlies GM | Giannotto

CORE PLAYERS: Why the Grizzlies are relying on Desmond Bane, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as leaders

Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones has been a gift for the Grizzlies the past four seasons. Anytime star point guard Ja Morant has been injured or unavailable, Jones has kept the Grizzlies playing at a high level over the past two seasons. That ability to fill in as a starter is why Jones would appeal to other NBA franchises.

Several teams could be in the market for a starting point guard this offseason, and Jones is the perfect player for the Grizzlies to entertain offers on in order to upgrade the small forward spot. Teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets have an overload on wings the Grizzlies could use, and each team has questions at the starting point guard spot.

Jones has been great for the Grizzlies, but the value of the backup point guard position doesn't compare to a starting small forward. Jones will play next season on the final year of a two-year deal worth $29 million. The Grizzlies could get a cheaper option at backup point guard, and that should be worth going after wings like Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O'Neale and OG Anunoby.

Injured Grizzlies centers

If Memphis makes a big trade this summer, it will likely need to include one of the larger contracts for salary matching purposes. Outside of Jones and the dynamic duo of Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., that leaves Luke guard Kennard, forward Brandon Clarke and big man Steven Adams. Kleiman made shooting a high priority during last offseason, so making a 3-point weapon like Kennard available wouldn't be conducive to that progress. That leaves Adams and Clarke. As stated earlier, the Grizzlies are pleased with Tillman's play in the second half of last season, plus Kenneth Lofton Jr. could get more of an opportunity in his second season. As important as Adams and Clarke are to the success of the Grizzlies, there's still an unknown on when either player will return following their injuries. Adams will be making $12.6 million in the final season of a two-year deal, and Clarke will be in the first season of a four-year $50 million extension. Memphis has built its frontcourt depth with Santi Aldama and Jackson getting minutes at center, too, so unloading one of the contracts between Clarke and Adams could help Memphis get a starting forward.

Young talent

Memphis added four draft picks last season after winning 56 games. Of those four players, only David Roddy was a regular in the rotation. Kleiman and Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins seem excited about the jumps each player could make, but Memphis can afford to package some of its young talent on the wing in a bigger deal. With John Konchar and Luke Kennard likely to factor into the rotation, there won't be enough minutes to go around for Ziaire Williams, Roddy and Jake LaRavia in addition to an added small forward through free agency.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies roster, free agency, offseason plans