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NBA free agency stacked with backup point guard options for Memphis Grizzlies. Here are 5 options.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ 2022-23 roster is starting to take shape after landing four picks in the NBA Draft, but there's still more work to do provide depth in key areas.

One of those positions is point guard. The Grizzlies drafted Memphis native Kennedy Chandler at No. 38 overall. It would be a huge responsibility to expect a rookie to back up Ja Morant and potentially start when the All-Star point guard isn’t available. Plus, Memphis still needs a third point guard to avoid playing Desmond Bane and John Konchar at backup point guard when an injury happens.

The easy solution is bringing back Tyus Jones, who just had one of the best seasons amongst backup NBA point guards. However, potential suitors or contract negotiations could get in the way of his return.

NBA free agency will begin on Thursday when teams can begin contacting players at 5 p.m.

Jones is expected to command a bigger market than Memphis, but that’s unlikely to deter the Grizzlies from retaining him. General manager Zach Kleiman said that Memphis is in a financial situation where it wouldn’t have a problem retaining any player it considers a priority. While Kleiman hasn't stated that Jones is a priority, his 19-4 record as a starter suggests he should be considered one.

The biggest obstacle would be Jones’ standing. He said in his last interview after the season ended that he wants to be a starting point guard, although he added that he views himself as a starter in his role at Memphis.

If Jones commands a starter salary and potentially tops $12 million a year, then the Grizzlies would be one of six teams to pay two point guards that kind of money. The difference is that in the other situations, there are players like — Marcus Smart and Derrick White in Boston, Patrick Beverley and D’Angelo Russell in Minnesota or Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson in Utah — that all have more versatility than Jones and Morant. Some of those players are only listed at point guard because of their height.

Jones should be considered a priority, but if Memphis can’t agree to terms with him, the free agency backup point guard market is deep.

Here are players who Memphis could target if Jones departs:

Dennis Schröder

This would be the flashiest move. Dennis Schroder is two seasons removed from finishing top three in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting. He signed with the Celtics before last season, and the the pairing struggled to work before he was traded to Houston.

Schroder, 28, is still one of the NBA’s fastest point guards and a pest on defense. He’s also played on and off the ball, which could add versatility alongside Morant or Chandler.

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Delon Wright

Delon Wright is a familiar name to Grizzlies fans and offers the biggest boom or bust potential. At 6-foot-5, he has the perfect size to play alongside Chandler and Morant in stretches while also playing on the ball. Wright, 30, backed up Trae Young in Atlanta and averaged 4.4 points and 2.4 assists in 19 minutes.

One of his best games came when he started against the Grizzlies and finished with 18 points, six assists and five steals.

Ricky Rubio

If it wasn’t for a torn ACL suffered in December that ended his season, Ricky Rubio wouldn’t be on this list. Rubio has been a steady starter his entire career until his accepted a sixth man role with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He started eight of 34 games, but his 13.1 points and 6.6 assists in 28.5 minutes was a big reason why Cleveland surprised the NBA with its hot start.

The biggest question mark for the 31-year old Rubio is his health. He’s one of the league’s best passers despite shooting 38.9% for his career.

Rajon Rondo

When Rubio went down in Cleveland, the Cavs called on the ageless Rajon Rondo. His numbers didn’t match Rubio, but the veteran's presence and steadiness to running an offense would be a significant boost for Memphis.

Also, of the Grizzlies' potential targets, Rondo, 36, is the most likely to sign a one-year deal, which could potentially clear the way for Chandler being the full-time backup point guard next season.

Goran Dragic

Fans forget Goran Dragic's upside because of how last season played out. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors and made it clear he didn’t want to be there. His forced exit resulted in playing 16 games with the Brooklyn Nets and 21 total.

Dragic, 36, averaged at least 13 points per game in the previous nine seasons before falling to 7.5 in 2021-22. He’s another player who can play on and off the ball and who can get his own shot.

Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 5 backup point guard options for Memphis Grizzlies in free agency