"As the NBA lockout moved closer to an official end Wednesday the Grizzlies began their attempt to forge a new beginning with center Marc Gasol.

The 7-footer is a restricted free agent. Gasol is also the Grizzlies' top priority now that the NBA has reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with its players union.

Free agency and training camps are expected to begin Dec. 9, but the league allowed teams to contact player agents early Wednesday. Griz general manager Chris Wallace spoke with Gasol's representative, Arn Tellem, and both agreed to set the tone for contract negotiations in the coming days."