Kofi Inkoom
The NBA has awarded the Memphis Grizzlies a Disabled Player Exception valued at $6.3 million following the season-ending injury to Steven Adams, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Steven Adams is set to miss the entire 2023/24 NBA season due to surgery on his right posterior cruciate ligament, following unsuccessful attempts at non-operative rehabilitation for lingering knee issues.
The NBA has responded by awarding the Memphis Grizzlies a disabled player exception (DPE) for Adams as aforementioned, granting them financial flexibility when a player is expected to be out until at least June 15 of the season.
This exception equates to half of Adams’ $12.6 million salary for this season or the mid-level exception, whichever is less.
The DPE allows the Grizzlies to make strategic moves, such as signing a free agent, claiming a player off waivers, or acquiring someone through a trade.
However, it comes with constraints—it can only be used for a one-year deal and must involve a player with just one year left on their contract.
It’s crucial to note that the DPE doesn’t automatically create an open roster spot for the Grizzlies; they need an available roster spot to utilize the exception.
Presently, Memphis faces roster challenges with 15 players on standard contracts and Ja Morant on the suspended players list.
The Grizzlies must decide by March 11, as Shams notes, whether to employ the DPE for Adams, a significant contributor since the 2021/22 season.
In the past two seasons, Adams has played a pivotal role, averaging 7.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 118 games with the team.