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The Memphis Grizzlies version of offseason musical chairs continues as they have traded C.J. Miles to the Washington Wizards for Dwight Howard, per report from Shams Charania of the Athletic.
Sources: Washington has traded Dwight Howard to Memphis.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2019
The trade makes sense for both sides since the Grizzlies will save $3.1 million in the deal while the Wizards add some desperately needed help on the wing. The Grizzlies likely have another move in the plans with this extra money, such as making it easier in matching a Dallas Mavericks offer to restricted free agent Delon Wright.
Regardless, the Grizzlies will absolutely waive Howard as he is not apart of the present or future plans of the franchise.
The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to waive eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2019
In the minutes after these reports, the Grizzlies continued their cost effective maneuvers by waiving veteran guard Avery Bradley, who would have been guaranteed $12.9 million for the 2019-2020 season if he hadn’t been released. The Grizzlies will now only owe him “only” $2 million for this coming year, likely creating enough room for the Grizzlies to retain Wright and use their Mid-Level Exception (or have more room below the luxury tax for ANOTHER trade.)
Grizz aren’t finished. Per source, they have waived veteran SG Avery Bradley. His 2019-20 salary ($12.9M) would have been guaranteed last Thursday. Memphis will have to pay Bradley his $2M guaranteed for next year. Grizz continue to get further below the cap line for more moves.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 6, 2019
It goes without saying that this has been one of the most memorable offseasons in recent memory for the Memphis Grizzlies. And it likely isn’t over yet.
Follow @sbnGrizzlies for more updates.