Top Lakers Free Agent Target Inking Deal with Western Conference Contender

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed former Phoenix Sun, Toronto Raptor, Charlotte Hornet, and No. 7 overall pick Bismack Biyombo via an exemption, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Memphis Grizzlies are planning to sign center Bismack Biyombo, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Team is able to sign Biyombo via exemption after fifth game of Ja Morant’s suspension. Biyombo brings rim protection (1.4 blocks per game last season) with Steven Adams out. pic.twitter.com/NDRxs8h09Z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 29, 2023

Biyombo is coming off of a season in which he put up averages of 4 points, 4 rebounds, and a block in 14 minutes of play.

The Congolese big man is a terrific shot-blocker, that uses his length and athleticism to protect the rim at a high level.

Beyond that, however, Biyombo has a limited skillset and his slow feet don't allow him to switch much defensively, rendering him exclusively a player that you have around the basket on both sides of the ball.

As for the addition on Memphis' end, this was a highly needed pickup. The Grizzlies have been without F/C Brandon Clarke since early March of last season, and C Steven Adams since January. While Clarke is expected to return soon (no official timetable, Adams is slated to miss the entirety of the 2023-2024 season due to PCL surgery.

The Grizzlies' lack of depth at big man has been highly visible as a result, as no big men besides Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman Sr. have received any minutes across Memphis' first 3 games, all of which have been losses.

Biyombo was originally a free agency target for the Lakers, but the club settled on Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood, instead. With their versatility compared to Biyombo, however, that was probably the correct decision in hindsight.

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