The centre position will be one of the most heavily contested during the 2024 NBA free agency season. There are numerous great big men about to hit the market. Furthermore, due to their circumstances, a few centres may become trade targets. There are some teams who require an upgrade at the centre position. Two of these teams are the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Unsurprisingly, both the Lakers and the Grizzlies are keeping a close eye on the centre position this offseason, according to Ian Begley. Begley stated in a piece on Mitchell Robinson trade rumours that the two teams, along with the New Orleans Pelicans, are keeping an eye on the market.
“The Lakers, Grizzlies, and Pelicans are among the teams watching the centre position this offseason. The Hawks have continued to monitor the market for Clint Capela. According to Yahoo! Sports, the Knicks were gauging the market for Robinson.
The current centre free agency class includes some very big players. Nic Claxton and Isaiah Hartenstein are the headliners, but Jonas Valanciunas and Andre Drummond are also worth considering. As Begley said, Capela and Robinson are also potential trade candidates. Given the Lakers’ and Grizzlies’ severe need for centres, these options are worth considering.
Both the Lakers and the Grizzlies faced heartbreak last season, albeit for different reasons. Los Angeles’ season was incredibly erratic, resulting in a fast first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets. In Memphis, an injury-plagued season was the sole reason the team missed the playoffs.
Lakers and Grizzlies’ centre issues
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) passes the ball while Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) defends during the second half of Game 1 of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum.
The Lakers and Grizzlies’ struggles at the centre position arise from the reality that their putative “centres” are either unwilling or unaccustomed to playing the position. Anthony Davis’ dislike for playing centre is well acknowledged. LA still wants a classic big man to compliment Davis and let him play freely. However, they are on a tight budget, so finding an upgrade will require shopping for a bargain.
For the Grizzlies, Steven Adams’ injury and eventual trade left the team without a genuine centre on the court. As a result, Jaren Jackson Jr. has played centre for the team. It has not always been aesthetically pleasing. JJJ still has a nasty habit of getting into foul trouble, and playing centre prevents him from doing what he does best: roaming around and blocking shots from nowhere.
Upgrading the centre position is critical for both the Lakers and the Grizzlies to succeed next season. LA’s centre decisions will most likely hinge around new head coach JJ Redick’s vision for the squad. Memphis’ top aim is to locate a traditional big man who will allow Jackson Jr. to return to his natural position as a power forward.
Who will either team acquire in the offseason? It will be intriguing to see how things go for the Lakers and Grizzlies in free agency.
