If you’ve been reading the tea leaves trying to figure out the Memphis Grizzlies’ approach to the coming NBA draft and offseason, you’re probably a little confused. 

Head coach Taylor Jenkins has suggested philosophy changes amid some coaching staff turnover, with the one known hire so far bringing a reputation for non-traditional, hyper-spaced-out offense, where everyone shoots and handles and where post-ups and pick-and-roll plays are rare.

Combine this with lead executive Zach Kleiman’s on-the-record musings about the Grizzlies’ playoff upside being tied to using Jaren Jackson Jr. at center, and you’d assume the team isn’t looking for a traditional, paint-bound big man to fill its frontcourt hole.

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But how do you reconcile that with the rumor-esque reporting of the team exploring ways to trade up in the draft for traditional center prospect Donovan Clingan or registering interest in even more traditional center prospect Zach Edey or being a candidate to make a trade offer for Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen, an established traditional center? Combine these hints with words from Kleiman and Jenkins allowing that they know a traditional behemoth works well alongside the team’s stars, and you’d have to assume the Grizzlies remain very open to bringing in a traditional center. 

One thing is certain: The Grizzlies will be adding a frontcourt player to an already pretty full roster. Kleiman has made this clear in public remarks. But the logic of that roster also demands the addition: Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama are the only true frontcourt players currently under contract.

But what kind of frontcourt player will the team add?

What type of center? 

Perhaps one of these directions is a smoke screen. Or maybe the Grizzlies aren’t actually married to one particular path.

That’s the guess here. The Grizzlies may have stylistic preferences at the center position, but I don’t believe they are going to be so dedicated to them that they ignore talent disparities. They may bring philosophy to bear, but won’t be rigidly ideological. 

A core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jackson Jr. gives the Grizzlies options. What kind of center works with these stars? Any kind. 

Bane can benefit from the spacing of a five-out offense, but is also adept at working with a traditional big on cuts and dribble hand-offs. 

Jackson can anchor a defense at center himself while benefiting from the spacing a spot-up-shooting frontcourt partner can provide. He can also provide that spacing himself while roaming next to a traditional center to dominate as a help defender. 

And Morant? The idea that his electric drives would thrive in a fully spaced-out offense with a perimeter-oriented center is sound. But space takes multiple forms. 

Morant can take advantage of the vertical spacing provided by centers who can roll to the rim and catch his lobs. (Clarke functions this way.)

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And Morant, perhaps more than any guard in the game, can capitalize on the targeted spacing that comes from a good screener, zipping through strategically placed cracks in a halfcourt defense like a great running back bursting through the line. 

The Grizzlies can make any of these types work. They may have preferences, but the bet here is that they’re open to all types. 

What level of center?

What level of center addition are the Grizzlies, with three stars on big contracts and a tax bill looming, willing or wanting to make? 

How high a draft pick are they willing to use on the position? How much payroll space? How many assets are they willing to move in a trade? How many minutes and touches are they willing to devote? 

Adding some kind of center is the team’s only certain move this summer, but it is not certain to be the team’s primary acquisition. 

The Grizzlies’ path of least resistance this summer might look something like this: Draft the best player available at No. 9, likely a perimeter player who adds versatile, high-upside talent on a rookie-scale contract. (Say Dalton Knecht or Ron Holland.) Retain Luke Kennard on his team option to maintain shooting. Sign a veteran center to a cheap free agent contract (say Andre Drummond) to play a 20-minute role, and maybe draft a more developmental big man in the second round. 

Don’t be surprised if that’s what happens. 

But the list below will consider all types of centers, all levels and all acquisition paths, because I believe the Grizzlies are open to all of that themselves. 

The following list is not ranked according to who I think are simply the best players, or not quite. And it’s not ranked based on who’s most likely to be acquired, because good luck with that. Rather, it’s a list of who I think are the best targets, a notion that considers availability, impact and acquisition cost. 

We know the Grizzlies will add a center. Here’s a list of 20 (or so) possibilities. 

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Your mission, Zach Kleiman, if you choose to accept it, is to acquire someone not on this list.

I joke, but this might happen. A year ago, everyone knew the Grizzlies needed to add a small forward defender to replace Dillon Brooks. I did a similar, turn-over-every-rock column. On draft week, Kleiman filled his small forward role by trading for an ostensible point guard in Marcus Smart. No one saw that coming. But it made sense when it happened. 

The list:

1. Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)

Keep an eye on Detroit, which has the fifth pick in the draft, new front-office leadership and a ongoing rebuild that’s been sputtering. What happens if Clingan is available at five? Does that become a prime trade-up spot for teams pursuing Clingan, or does Detroit take him, signaling that incumbent center Duren could be available? Either way, if Clingan makes it to Detroit, the Grizzlies should pick up the phone. 

There’s been no clear recent reporting that the former University of Memphis star is available, but there was some earlier reporting out of Detroit that maybe Duren’s not untouchable. There’s a sense he’s been disappointing defensively given his physical gifts. He’s still 20 years old and has been on a mess of a team, but Duren was one of the NBA’s top defensive rebounders last season, is a great lob target and had sneaky-good passing numbers for a young center. Seems like someone who might really bloom playing with Morant and Jackson Jr. 

How it might happen: Duren’s $4.5 million salary is easy to match. Santi Aldama and the No. 9 pick is a potential offer, or starting point. 

2. Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Allen is probably the best center who is actively rumored to be on the trade block, with the sense that current Cleveland frontcourt partner Evan Mobley might need to play center. Allen can play screen-and-roll with Morant and finish above the rim. He’s a good defensive rebounder and rim protector. Since Jackson Jr. is a more prolific face-up shooter/scorer than Mobley, this pairing would likely work better than Mobley/Allen did but would still lock the Grizzlies into a more traditional look. Is the talent worth it?

How it might happen: Allen’s $20 million (for two more years) is a good value contract, but still big enough that the Grizzlies would have to give up good players just to match salary. Marcus Smart and No. 9 is a foundation. So is Luke Kennard, a second contract (Ziare Williams, Jake LaRavia, Aldama) and the No. 9. In either case, one imagines the Cavs ask for even more. GG Jackson? No thanks. A protected future first? Probably the price. 

3. Donovan Clingan (incoming rookie)

I’ve already written plenty about Clingan. Some are higher on him, some are lower. I’d be concerned about his strength/conditioning (relative to instant impact) and ability to score, but believe in the paint defense and passing. There’s risk in depending on a rookie, but reward in getting on the ground floor of a rookie-scale contract.

How it might happen: I can’t see Clingan falling to No. 9 at this point. I’m also skeptical of the Grizzlies trading up with Houston at No. 3, given that the Rockets seem to want immediate help and the Grizzlies’ best trade-up assets are future picks. The most likely Clingan-to-Memphis scenario would be a trade with Detroit at No. 5 or Charlotte at No. 6, perhaps with a lightly protected 2025 first-rounder as the move-up cost. 

4. Wendell Carter Jr. (Orlando Magic)

I’ve suggested Carter Jr. since the middle of last season and there’s still no specific reporting that he’s available. But, Orlando brought him off the bench at times during the playoffs and their roster is too tilted toward the frontcourt. This idea has always been contingent on a perimeter player being available at the Grizzlies’ pick for whom Orlando has the hots. Nikola Topic? Dalton Knecht? Rob Dillingham? If the stars align, Carter’s injury history is a real concern, but his combination of defensive rebounding and outside shooting on a good contract is otherwise a great fit. 

How it might happen: Carter’s $12 million contract presents lots of scenarios. Kennard and No. 9 for Carter and Orlando’s pick at No. 18? Ziaire Williams, John Konchar and No. 9 for Carter? 

5. Mark Williams (Charlotte Hornets)

The Duren/Detroit scenario also applies to Williams/Charlotte, with new franchise leadership in place, a young incumbent center and the possibility of Clingan being available. Williams’ game is roughly similar to Allen’s as a screen-and-roll finisher, rebounder and rim protector. Note of caution: He only played 19 games last season due to a back injury. But unlike the incoming rookies, Williams has already shown he can play at the NBA level.

How it might happen: Also the same scenario as Duren. The No. 9 and Aldama works. 

6. Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz)

The shine is off Jaren Jackson Jr.’s former FIBA teammate, at least a little bit, coming out of his second season. Kessler started fewer games for the Jazz in year two. Is he still part of the future core or would the Jazz be interested in turning Kessler’s roster spot into a new rookie-scale-contract lottery pick? It’s hard to get a read on the Jazz. Kessler’s an elite shot blocker/rim protector whose total game is a bit more limited, but could thrive as a lob target for Morant. 

How it might happen: The No 9 pick and LaRavia could work, or at last provide a starting point. 

7. Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks)

How’s Milwaukee going to react to coming up short with a team deep into the luxury tax? There’s been some speculation about Bucks starting center Brook Lopez ($23 million) being a Grizzlies target if the Bucks break up their team. I don’t see that, but will note that Portis ($12.58 million) seems to just fit within the $12.6 million trade exception the Grizzlies created when they dealt Steven Adams. On the court, Portis is a playoff-tested vet who’s still under 30 and is a good combo 3-point shooter/defensive rebounder. 

How it might happen: The Grizzlies could take Portis without sending salary back if Milwaukee (over the second tax apron) wanted to create some breathing room. If the Bucks were interested, the question might be how good a draft-pick asset the Grizzlies are willing to include. Doing so would also probably mean letting Kennard go, but the Grizzlies would still have their No. 9 pick to draft a perimeter replacement.

8. Zach Edey (incoming rookie)

Multiple reports suggest some Grizzlies interest in Edey. The worst case scenario is that he’s a novelty act whose game won’t translate; that he’ll just be too slow for the NBA. The best case is probably that Edey’s a super-sized version of former Grizzlies fave Jonas Valanciunas. Even the best case has some clear limitations, but I tend to believe the glass-half-full side more. Edey’s game will need to get less post-reliant in the NBA, but he could be a screen-and-roll monster in Memphis. 

How it might happen: The Grizzlies could presumably just take Edey at No. 9. More favorable would be trading down to target him. 

9. Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers)

A good screen-and-roll, rebounding center who’s a proven commodity and is still only 27. If Clippers star Paul George leaves in free agency, is there a chance that the Clippers shake things up?

How it might happen: Zubac is owed $11.7 million on an expiring contract next season. Would the Grizzlies move the No. 9 pick for only one year of certainty if it meant getting off of Konchar’s and Ziaire Williams’ contracts in the process?

10. Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks)

Capela probably isn’t quite as dynamic as he was a few years ago, but still provides a screen-and-roll lob treat for Morant and a rebounding ace to pair with Jackson Jr. If you could just plop Capela onto the Grizzlies roster next season, he’d be welcome. The problem is that his $22.3 million salary likely necessitates Smart or Kennard going out to match. Would the Grizzlies do either of those? Even then, it’s likely neither would provide what the Hawks are seeking. I don’t see a scenario where Capela’s younger frontcourt teammate Onyeka Okongwu is available. 

How it might happen: If the Grizzlies could send out Konchar or Ziaire Williams with Kennard, would they include a protected future first-rounder? This year’s No. 9 is too attractive to include. 

11. Kel’el Ware (incoming rookie)

Ware was included in the March version of this column but just missed my draft list last week. Compared to this draft’s other first-round center prospects, he seems to lack a signature skill but may be more versatile. Offensively, Ware’s a lob threat who’s also had success as a spot-up shooter. Defensively, he lacks the elite size to shut down the paint, but is long and athletic enough to both provide presence at the rim and perhaps guard on the perimeter some. Questions have been raised about Ware’s “motor.” Maybe that’s fair and maybe it’s not, but it’s a particular concern for big men.

How it might happen: The Grizzlies could take Ware at No. 9, as one notable mock draft has suggested. More favorable would be trading down from No. 9 or up from No. 39 to target him.

12. Kyle Filipowski (incoming rookie)

I’m a little higher on Filipowski as a dribble-pass-shoot role player than the consensus, but am sliding him behind Edey, where there’s reporting on Grizzlies interest, and Ware, who seems to be on the upswing as teams have gotten a closer look.

How it might happen: Likely by trading down from No. 9 or up from No. 39 to target him.

13. Andre Drummond (Chicago Bulls, free agent)

Drummond is still only 30 years old and has been durable and productive as a part-time player in this second stage of his career. Still a beastly rebounder.

How it might happen: A straight up signing, if not for the veteran’s minimum then perhaps for the tax-payer mid-level exception of roughly $5 million. The Grizzlies could add 15-20 minutes a night of physical, veteran center play without it costing their No. 9 pick or Kennard. 

14. Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks)

Robinson’s injury absence and the great playoffs from his ostensible backup, free-agent-to-be Isaiah Hartenstein, may put Robinson on the trade block. I’m not super-enthusiastic about the fit, but Robinson is a seven-foot athlete who is very active defensively, a beast on the offensive boards and has a contract ($14.3 million) that might require parting with a current rotation player to match.

How it might happen: Similar to Zubac, would the Grizzlies include the No. 9 if they could package it with Ziaire Williams and Konchar? Maybe getting back one of the Knicks’ two late-first rounders? Kennard also works here, but would be less enticing. 

15. Nick Richards (Charlotte Hornets)

Charlotte’s backup center when starter Williams is healthy, a physical but limited rebounder and at-the-rim finisher on a good contract ($5 million for each of the next two seasons).

How it might happen: With the Grizzlies needing a true center for their rotation and the Hornets having two, Richards for Aldama is a simple trade that could make sense for both teams. 

16. Kevon Looney (Golden State Warriors)

Looney is still only 28, but I’m wary of how much his role declined for the Warriors last season, down to 11 minutes a game after the All-Star break. But he’d add a playoff-tested vet to the frontcourt rotation without using the team’s lottery pick or costing any current rotation players. 

How it might happen: Looney’s $8 million would fit into the Grizzlies’ Adams trade exception, perhaps only at the cost of a second-round pick if the Warriors are eager to slash their tax bill.

17. Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic, free agent)

This soon-to-be 25-year-old is already something of a journeyman. Bitadze has put up good per-minute production as a rebounder, defender and passer, but got buried on an Orlando team deep with frontcourt talent. He could be a good “buy low” signing, but could also be something of a risk at any price. 

How it might happen: Free agent signing likely via the tax-payer mid-level exception. 

18. Duop Reath (Portland Trail Blazers)

Reath was a great find for the Blazers out of the G League last season, moving from a two-way contract to a multi-year main roster deal, much as GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. did for the Grizzlies. But Reath will already be 28 years old next season, the Blazers are rebuilding and have two other centers on bigger contracts. They could cash out on their find for more future-oriented value. Upon inspection, Reath’s defensive rebounding and finishing was a little disappointing, but he’s a wide body who shot 36% from 3 on pretty decent volume.

How it might happen: Would picking up Reath be worth the Grizzlies trading back from No. 9 to Portland’s pick at No. 14? Is it worth it for the rebuilding Blazers? I’d be wary of a higher price. 

19. Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons)

One of the best nicknames in the association (“Beef Stew”) is a useful player who’s probably a little overpaid at $15 million for each of the next three seasons. Still, the 23-year-old Stewart is a 6-foot-8 wide-body whose combination of shooting (35% career from 3) and physicality should allow him to play alongside any of the Grizzlies’ other frontcourt players. 

How it might happen: I don’t see a trade that makes a ton of sense. Kennard for Stewart straight up works, and might be attractive if Detroit’s new front office wanted to (try to) win now. The Grizzlies probably only entertain that if they can’t agree on a new contract with Kennard, and maybe not even if then. Konchar, Ziaire Williams and a protected future first probably makes the most sense. 

20. Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans, free agent)

Maybe you’ve heard of him. Valanciunas has lost a step, or maybe a few inches, as a finisher since he last played for the Grizzlies and has become a negative on defense, but is still an elite rebounder and probably fits better with Morant and Jackson Jr. than he did in New Orleans, which had no true point guard or spacing power forward. Could be an effective part-time option for the right price. 

How it might happen: Is the Valanciunas market low enough that he can be signed for the tax-payer mid-level? If it is, it’s hard to imagine him taking that to come back to the Grizzlies, the team that declined to offer him a market-value extension a couple of years ago.

“How could you forget about this guy?”

Quick notes on a few names that didn’t make the cut.

The two most prominent free agent centers are probably Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and New York’s Hartenstein. Both will command more than the Grizzlies can offer, which means any acquisition would need to be a sign-and-trade, unlikely given the Grizzlies’ luxury tax status. 

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At roughly $20 million each, Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl, Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic and Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic are potential trade targets probably not worth the contract match the Grizzlies would have to make. 

Minnesota cult hero Naz Reid would be great, but is likely not obtainable for what the Grizzlies would reasonably offer. New York’s Precious Achiuwa, a former University of Memphis fave, was considered here, but is not a great fit and as a restricted free agent is probably not obtainable for what little the Grizzlies could offer.

A personal favorite under-the-radar trade target who just missed the cut: Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe. 

More low-cost options: All the other potential center targets in this year’s draft (Yves Missi, DaRon Holmes, etc.) are more likely to be projected as third-stringers to start their career if the Grizzlies acquired them, not immediate rotation options. Other potential cheap free agents are legion, but none are particularly enticing. Some of the better ones: Indiana’s Jalen Smith, Boston’s Luke Kornet or (old pal) Xavier Tillman Sr. and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee.