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Summary
In the summer of 2019, the Grizzlies were able to take advantage of the Warriors' need to offload salary to facilitate the De'Angelo Russell sign-and-trade, and were able to get Andre Iguodala and a first round pick. When it was clear Iguodala was never going to suit up for the Grizzlies, the question became: what would the the Grizzlies be able to get for Iguodala? The answer turned out to be Justise Winslow, as the Grizzlies gave up Iguodala and took on some dead money that essentially took them out of free agency in 2020.

However, due to injuries Winslow has missed the majority of his games for the Grizzlies, and hasn't been all that effective when he has played. In his early years in Miami, Winslow showed promise as a versatile wing/big that could even play as a small-ball five. Winslow often handled the ball for the Heat, having pretty high usage, and particularly high assist usage, per Cleaning the Glass. The Grizzlies have tried doing the same with Winslow, playing him as a point forward with the second unit.

If Winslow can get back to being a high-level defender and a solid playmaker for his position, he could provide real value. Winslow has really struggled offensively since joining the Grizzlies, shooting 19% from three and struggling overall, leading to an eFG% of 37.4%, which puts him at the bottom of the league for his position, according to Cleaning the Glass.

The Grizzlies may end up picking up the team option for Winslow for next season since they may feel like they won't be able to do better with their cap space, but Winslow would likely be overpaid next season if they do pick up his option.
 
Cap Considerations
Winslow has a $13 million team option for 2021-2022, and if the Grizzlies decline that option he will be an unrestricted free agent with a $19.5 million cap hold and full Bird rights. The Grizzlies will likely be choosing between bringing back Winslow or maximizing their potential $25 million in cap space.

If Winslow does hit free agency and demands a starting salary of more than the full $9.5 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him, unless a sign-and-trade is worked out. It is possible that Winslow could be had for the full MLE.

Potential Teams: Grizzlies, Wizards, Bulls, Mavericks, Hawks

Predicted Contract: 1-year, $7 million with the Wizards

Actual Contract: 2-year, $8 million with the Clippers

Winslow had his option declined in order for the Grizzlies to complete the Steven Adams / Eric Bledsoe trade, and ended up signing for the Clippers on a reasonable deal. Winslow gives the Clippers another versatile forward that can fit in with their small-ball, switching system.

Last updated: 8/19/2021

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