Making the Case: Memphis Grizzlies
This move would be less of an on-court move for Memphis, and more of a financial one. Plumlee would be a step down from Adams on the floor, but not a huge one. Plumlee was fine for Charlotte, he can be fine in Memphis as a regular season center.
The key draw is salary – Adams will make upward of $17 million next season. Plumlee will make just over $8 million, only about $4.5 million of which is guaranteed. Taking on Plumlee could give Memphis more flexibility to improve this offseason. That flexibility is much needed – as the Memphis Grizzlies must build on their successful 56-win season.
In the playoffs, it became clear that Adams was not the center that the Grizzlies needed. Memphis played young center Xavier Tillman for stretches, and could continue to do so should they swap Adams for Plumlee. This move is enticing for financial reasons for the Grizz – but also allows them a chance to play their young guys.
Speaking of young guys, don’t ignore the addition of James Bouknight. Though he struggled as a rookie and didn’t flash much potential, he’s still very young. Bouknight could develop into an electric scorer, which is just what Memphis needs next to Ja Morant.
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It may not be too enticing, but a Plumlee for Adams swap could be huge for Memphis. Both financially, and for their young player development.
