Memphis Grizzlies Trade Rumors

Grizzlies talking to Nets about O.J. Mayo trade
"The Grizzlies are again discussing whether to deal reserve guard O.J. Mayo. This time, Memphis has explored at least two trade scenarios with the New Jersey Nets over the past couple of weeks, according to two NBA sources. Yahoo Sports first reported the talks. The Nets are interested in acquiring Mayo for salary-cap reasons as they try to clear room to make a run at Orlando center Dwight Howard in the offseason. With that in mind, the Nets have offered fourth-year guard Anthony Morrow for Mayo. Morrow, a 6-5 shooting guard, will earn $4 million this year and is guaranteed for $4 million next season. Mayo is making $5.6 this season — the final year of his rookie contract. He has a $7.4"
Nets in hunt for Mayo: sources
"The Nets could pull the trigger on a deal for guard O.J. Mayo, according to league sources familiar with the thinking of the Nets and Grizzlies. Just two days after sources said talks between the Nets and Grizzlies for a trade involving Mayo had fizzled out, a published report said the two teams are talking again. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported the Nets have offered two scenarios for Mayo — Anthony Morrow in one deal or Jordan Farmar and a pick in another. But one source said there wasn't anything "right now" but that the Nets could do a deal if they wanted. The Commercial Appeal said it the other way that the decision was in the hands of the Grizzlies."
Sixers trade Speights to Memphis for picks
"At first, there was so much promise when the 76ers selected Marreesse Speights 16th overall in the 2008 draft. The Sixers were desperately looking for a big man, someone to eventually replace Samuel Dalembert. So they drafted him ahead of big men such as Indiana's Roy Hibbert, Washington's JaVale McGee and the Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan. Three years later, it turns out the Sixers were wrong. They confirmed their mistake by trading Speights to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal involving the New Orleans Hornets. The Sixers got back the Grizzlies' second-round pick in the June draft (provided it's between the 31st and 55th pick, otherwise Miami gets it), and the"
Report: Sixers agree to trade Speights
"According to reports, the Sixers have agreed to a deal that will ship forward Marreese Speights to Memphis. In return, the Sixers would get two second-round picks from New Orleans. The Hornets (who the Sixers play on Wednesday night) would get Memphis' Xavier Henry. Speights, in his fourth year, has not appeared in any of the Sixers' four games this season. He has averaged 7.2 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game in his career."
Grizzlies' Zach Randolph to miss up to 8 weeks with knee ligament tear
"Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph will miss up to eight weeks after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that he suffered a slight tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, sources with knowledge of the situation told The Commercial Appeal. The injury will not require surgery and doctors will re-evaluate Randolph in two weeks."
Grizzlies prepare offer sheet for Bobcats' forward, discuss trade with Sixers
"The Grizzlies are preparing an offer sheet for Charlotte Bobcats restricted free agent Dante Cunningham, and team officials have held trade discussions with the Philadelphia 76ers as a response to forward Darrell Arthur's season-ending Achilles injury. Magnetic resonance imaging performed Monday on Arthur confirmed that he has a torn right Achilles and will miss the entire 2011-12 season. Memphis, shorthanded up front before Arthur's injury, is in the market for two frontcourt players. Cunningham is viewed as a close replacement for Arthur, and the Griz also have 76ers versatile big man Marresse Speights on their radar, according to sources with knowledge of the Grizzlies' thinking."
Memphis Grizzlies fear Darrell Arthur may be lost for entire season
"The Grizzlies' already undermanned frontcourt now must endure an unexpected and potentially devastating loss. Forward Darrell Arthur left practice Sunday morning with what was believed to be a torn right Achilles and the fear is that he might be lost for the entire 2011-12 season, according to sources with knowledge of situation. Team officials are waiting for further test results, but a preliminary evaluation indicated that Arthur's condition is serious, according to the sources. The Grizzlies are expected to announce the extent of Arthur's injury and a final prognosis today."
Memphis Grizzlies sign Marc Gasol to $57.7M deal; he 'didn't want a lot of drama'
"Amid the chaos going on around the NBA, Marc Gasol was certain about two things regarding his position as a restricted free agent. "There was a lot of interest," the Grizzlies' center said, adding: "I didn't want a lot of drama." Gasol, 26, made official Wednesday his four-year, $57.7 million contract agreement with the Grizzlies. The 7-footer also made this clear: leaving Memphis this season was never an option."
Rockets make offer for Grizzlies' Marc Gasol
"Having been unable to land the elder Gasol brother, the Rockets have begun a pursuit of the other Gasol. Unlike their trade for the Lakers' Pau Gasol, which came to a shocking and in some ways debilitating end when first vetoed then foiled by the NBA, they don't expect to land the Grizzlies' Marc Gasol. The Rockets on Sunday prepared an offer for Marc Gasol, a person with knowledge of the offer said, hoping to engage the Grizzlies in talks for a sign-and-trade agreement. The Rockets will offer the maximum contract they can to Gasol, worth $55 million over four years, but the pursuit of Gasol is a longshot because he is a restricted free agent. If he signs a Rockets offer sheet, the"
Free agent Shane Battier to sign with Miami Heat
"The Heat will begin training camp Friday with at least one new player. NBA free agent Shane Battier is joining the team. Battier, a small forward, announced his plans on Twitter on Thursday morning. Then, in a moment of inspiration, he cited Jimmy Buffett: "This was an exciting process and after much deliberation, I would like to quote the great poet Jimmy Buffett and take my chances, 'Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season.'?""
Memphis Grizzlies' Shane Battier to sign with Miami Heat
"Shane Battier is taking his talents to South Beach. The free agent forward, who helped the Memphis Grizzlies through a historic playoff run last season, used his Twitter account this morning to announce that he'll sign with the Miami Heat. Teams can begin to sign free agents at 1 p.m. Friday, which is also when training camps open. "Over the last week, I've played out every scenario in my head over and over. It always came back to one thing for me: a winning role," Battier wrote on Twitter. "I am appreciative of all the kind words and recruiting pitches over the last week, thank you!!" Battier later added: "Let's Go Heat.""
Shane Battier to sign with Heat
"Needing to upgrade their bench, the Miami Heat have landed a significant addition in veteran Shane Battier. Battier announced on his Twitter account Thursday that he plans to sign with the Heat when free agency opens on Friday afternoon. A number of contending teams had been courting Battier over the last few days, including the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs. The Heat made Battier a priority and met with him in the first hours of Monday, when teams were allowed to speak with players. Battier, who has had a relationship with Heat CEO Mick Arison since he was the team manager while Battier played at Duke, was attracted to the Heat's potential for winning a title."
Shane Battier says he will sign with Miami Heat
"The notifications came on Twitter shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday. They were from Shane Battier and simple and to the point. The upshot: The versatile veteran swingman at 2 p.m. Friday, the earliest free agents are allowed to sign, will become a member of the Miami Heat. From his timeline: -- "The Lockout gave me a lots of time to consider what was important to me at this stage of my life and career. Over the last week, I've played out every scenario in my head over and over. It always came back to one thing for me: a winning role. I am appreciative of all the kind words and recruiting pitches over the last week, thank you!!" -- "This was a exciting process and after much deliberation, I"
Battier Narrows It To Handful Of Teams
"Free agent forward Shane Battier has narrowed his list of prospective teams from more than the original dozen or so to a handful of teams, including his current team, the Memphis Grizzlies, Miami, Indiana and Toronto, according to a league source. The 33-year-old, whose defensive skills still are among the league's best, has been one of the most sought-after free agents since teams were allowed to discuss contract parameters last Wednesday."
Grizzlies again mull forward Josh McRoberts
"Josh McRoberts is on the Grizzlies' radar -- again. The 6-10 power forward/center, whom the Griz attempted to acquire in a trade with the Indiana Pacers last season, is an unrestricted free agent. Griz general manager Chris Wallace contacted McRoberts' agent, Mike Conley Sr., last week when the NBA allowed team executives to talk with player agents. There is mutual interest, according to league sources, although no deals can be agreed upon until the collective bargaining agreement is finalized. The league's agreement with the union is expected to be completed by Friday when training camps are scheduled to open. McRoberts, 24, is also drawing interest from the Los Angeles Lakers after"
Free-agent buzz: Heat lead chase for Battier
"Once NBA teams can speak with free agents beginning Monday, Miami Heat president Pat Riley has his franchise in strong position to sell Shane Battier on signing to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Battier has been a primary target in free agency for the Heat, and sources say the pitch of Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and key Heat players could ultimately confirm Battier's strong feelings about chasing a championship in Miami. Riley and Spoelstra see Battier as a strong defender with an ability to hit the open shots that'll come his way playing with James, Wade and Chris Bosh. Battier has been a proven playoff performer, and possesses the"
Team owner Michael Heisley says Marc Gasol will be staying with Memphis Grizzlies
"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."
Grizzlies not expected to thin payroll by utilizing one-player amnesty program
"There will be no addition by subtraction with the Grizzlies once they are officially allowed to conduct business under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. Memphis won't consider using the much-talked-about amnesty program -- a provision permitting each team to waive a player in order to remove his salary from its salary cap, while still paying out the balance of that contract. Team officials are still barred by the league from talking until the labor deal is final. But according to sources with knowledge of the Grizzlies' thinking, team brass find it amusing that Internet speculation persists about O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay being prime candidates for the waiver wire."
Tentative deal ends NBA lockout; Memphis Grizzlies focusing on Gasol
"Call it a buzzer-beater by the NBA. After months of negotiating and the threat of litigation, the league and its players reached a surprise agreement early Saturday morning that ended the 149-day lockout and salvaged the 2011-12 season. A tentative deal is in place for the league to begin a 66-game regular season on Christmas Day. The Grizzlies, who captivated the Mid-South with last season's playoff run that lasted until Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, now have a month to work through a training camp, free-agent period and the process of schmoozing fans before the season officially begins. "I want to encourage every Memphian and every Grizzlies fan to get behind our team and"
Grizzlies' Lester Hudson is taking his shot to China
"Lester Hudson hasn't put on hold his dream of continuing to play in the NBA. The Memphis native simply is no longer waiting for an end to the lockout. Hudson left town earlier this week for China, where he will join the Guangdong Southern Tigers. Under Chinese Basketball Association rules, Hudson must play the full season without an opt-out clause should the NBA lockout end. The CBA's regular season runs through the middle of February. Hudson, 27, will play with Washington Wizards free agent Yi Jianlian and former Indiana Pacer Fred Jones. Phoenix Suns restricted free-agent guard Aaron Brooks has agreed to a one-year deal with Guangdong, according to Yahoo! Sports."
Mike Conley hopes for solid NBA deal
"Memphis Grizzlies player representative Mike Conley realizes that he's in New York today to deliver the biggest assist of his NBA career. The point guard will meet this morning with National Basketball Players Association executive director Billy Hunter, union president Derek Fisher and 29 other player representatives to discuss the league's revised and final proposal for ending a 41/2 -month-old lockout. "There are some things as players we want to be done in order for the deal to be right," Conley said in a telephone interview. "Hopefully, this next proposal is close enough that we can live with it and be able to play." If NBA commissioner David Stern presented a significantly better"
Memphis Grizzlies, guard O.J. Mayo at a crossroads
"There is no doubt O.J. Mayo will be on the Grizzlies' roster when the NBA settles its labor dispute with the players. But for how long? Mayo's career is at a crossroads. And the Grizzlies -- facing high expectations after a playoff run to Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals last season -- are right there in terms of evaluating Mayo's future with the organization. The 6-3 shooting guard brought a household name and bucket loads of points in 2008, going on to average 18 points his first two seasons as a starter. But those Griz teams weren't playoff qualifiers."
European title in hand, Marc Gasol ready to return to Memphis
"Marc Gasol has been a bit distracted this summer to worry too much about the NBA lockout. The 7-footer culminated a thrilling offseason Sunday with chest bumps for his teammates as Spain beat France to win the European basketball championship. With a second straight European crown in his back pocket, Gasol now wants to hold on to another title: Grizzlies starting center. Gasol will be a restricted free agent whenever the NBA and its players' union agree to a new collective bargaining agreement. He wants to remain a Grizzly so much that you just might see the giant Spaniard strolling around town by the end of this month or early October."
NBA wants 3rd round in draft
"After an overnight flight connecting through Helsinki, Finland, I bumped into a scout for the Denver Nuggets near the tourist information booth at the quaint little airport here where the second round of EuroBasket is taking place. Whether he knows it or not, he may be here scouting future third-round draft picks. That's right: Third round. SheridanHoops.com has learned that NBA owners have proposed adding a third round to the annual draft, a proposal that the players' union has countered by offering an array of changes to the draft that would help address the owners' desire for more competitive balance."
NBA Lockout Update: Sides are closer than they're saying
"Here's the dirty little secret about the NBA lockout, despite what both sides — the owners and the players — would have you believe: They are a lot closer to a settlement than most people realize. I know this because I talk regularly with a bunch of important people who tell me important things, and I am going to explain why I believe a settlement will be reached that will not only save the season, but also enable the NBA to have an "all is forgiven" honeymoon period (similar to what the NFL just experienced following its labor settlement) in which the frenzy of free agents signings, trades, training camps and exhibition games will make everyone forget all of the doomsday talk they've been"
Could Memphis Grizzlies Lose Marc Gasol?
"Assuming there ever is an offseason for the 2011-2012 NBA season and not just some huge combined free agency pool for this year and next year, there really isn't a tremendous number of big-name players set to hit the market. Those who do have the name recognition—Tyson Chandler, Nene, David West, Andrei Kirilenko, Jamal Crawford—don't really have youth on their side, meaning there are a select few guys in the pool that could actually offer a team immediate and long-term help. That means good things for Memphis center Marc Gasol's wallet, but maybe not good things for the Memphis Grizzlies themselves. To be fair, the Grizzlies have said that they really want to keep Gasol, but why wouldn't"
Bad drug deal is linked to alleged assault in Zach Randolph's mansion
"The latest incident threatening Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph's reputation reportedly began with a drug deal gone bad over the weekend. On Monday, police in suburban Portland, Ore., detailed an incident in which a man said he was beaten after attempting to sell marijuana at Randolph's home. James Beasley, 26, told police that he was encouraged to sell marijuana to guests at an after-hours party in Randolph's mansion. But something went wrong around 4 a.m. Saturday, according to an Oregonian report. "Mr. Beasley said four to seven people jumped him and beat him bloody with pool cues," Sgt. James Rhodes, a Clackamas County Sheriff's Office spokesman, told the newspaper. Beasley told"
Former Trail Blazer Zach Randolph invited beating victim to sell marijuana at after-hours party, police say
"Police say the latest chapter in basketball star Zach Randolph's colorful life began Friday night, aboard a special charter cruise of the Portland Spirit, which got under way on the Willamette River at 11 p.m. That's where police say Randolph, a former Trail Blazer now playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, invited a Southeast Portland man he knew to his mansion on Southwest Turner Road, in the Stafford area south of West Linn, for an after-cruise party. The Portland man, James Ruben Beasley, told police he was invited to sell marijuana at the party, which drew about 20 people. But something went wrong around 4 a.m. Saturday. "Mr. Beasley said four to seven people jumped him and beat him"
Drug-related assault at home of Grizzlies' Zach Randolph
"Police served a search warrant at a Portland, Ore., home belonging to Zach Randolph but the Grizzlies power forward was not a suspect in their investigation early Sunday morning, according to an Oregonian newspaper report. Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. James Rhodes told the newspaper that Randolph was at the West Linn property at the time police served the warrant. Rhodes said the search warrant came as part of a drug-related assault that occurred at the home early Saturday morning. A man who was at the home told police he was assaulted with a pool cue by multiple people. Police said Randolph was at home at the time of the incident but was not a suspect in the assault. The victim was treated"
Next bargaining session coming early September?
"It took 46 days for the NBA and its players' union after the lockout began July 1. It didn't go all that well. Rhetoric from both sides ramped up, lawsuits started flying around and most importantly, there wasn't any movement towards the middle. Then David Stern accused the union of cancelling a meeting last week with the union responding that Billy Hunter had been told Stern wasn't going to be available for two weeks. So as you can tell, this is all going just super. But they're finally going to try again sometime in early September, according to Newsday. At this point, the union will host an executive meeting in New York at the end of August. The anticipation is the union and league"
David Stern: NBA to look at contraction
"The NBA currently has thirty teams, but the league's commissioner, David Stern, seems open to the possibility that that number of franchises could shrink in the future. Speaking on an ESPN.com podcast, Stern stated that there is some interest in contraction from both the league and players sides and that the subject will be picked up after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are completed. "[Contraction] is not a subect that we're against," Stern said. "In fact, when you talk about revenue sharing, a number of teams have said that if you have a team that is perpetually going to be a recipient, aren't you better off with the ability to buy them in? Because between the"
Marc Gasol says he won't play for Barcelona
"FC Barcelona is such a popular (and thereby successful) team in Spain that if anyone was going to make big strides during the lockout luring NBA players back to play, you'd think it would be them. The NBA players who have played for them, and there have been quite a few, have always spoken highly of the situation, with Juan Carlos Navarro actually preferring to stay with the club rather than remain in the NBA (and the horrible-at-the-time Grizzlies). But for whatever reason, it's unlikely you'll be seeing too many NBA guys playing for FC Barcelona in Euroleague next year. Tuesday, Ricky Rubio said he would only return if the entire season were lost for the NBA. And on Wednesday, Marc"
Pistons' Ben Gordon will keep getting paid during lockout
"Pistons guard Ben Gordon is one of four players who will continue to get paid if the NBA lockout stretches into the upcoming season. All are clients of agent Raymond Brothers , who spread their 2010-11 NBA salaries over 18 or 24 months in case the lockout forces the cancellation of games. The others are Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (Michigan State), Mavericks forward Caron Butler and Clippers forward Al-Farouq Aminu."
It only gets harder for owners, players; owners expected to push for $45 million hard cap
"The NBA's Board of Governors met Tuesday in Dallas and heard a report on collective bargaining from Spurs owner Peter Holt, chairman of its labor relations committee. The league wouldn't reveal if the board officially authorized locking out the players once the clock strikes midnight Thursday, the end of the collective bargaining agreement that's been in place since 2005, but it doesn't matter. As commissioner David Stern has warned already, such a vote is a mere formality and can be conducted by any means at any time. The first lockout authorization via text message may be mere hours away. Holt's committee will meet with the negotiating committee of the National Basketball Player's"
Haddadi gets qualifying offer from Memphis Grizzlies, becomes restricted free agent
"Reserve center Hamed Haddadi received a qualifying offer from the Grizzlies, making him a restricted free agent this offseason. General manager Chris Wallace announced the move today. The Griz will now have the right to match any contract offers Haddadi receives from other teams. The qualifying offer will pay Haddadi $2 million for the 2011-12 season if he doesn't sign a new deal this summer."
Jamal Crawford, Marc Gasol and the 2011 NBA Big Name Free Agents
"With the NBA Draft over, now fans can look forward to free agency. Free agency is the time where teams add players they think will take them over the top. Some of the top free agents this summer include Nene, Samuel Dalembert, Marc Gasol and Jamal Crawford. Nene of the Denver Nuggets is a very efficient center and has been for a long time now. He brings toughness and rebounding as well as scoring. He has been in Denver since the start of his career and seems to like it there, so don't expect him to be switching teams. Samuel Dalembert isn't a highly talked about center. He doesn't score much and certainly doesn't make highlight reel plays. What he does do is defend and rebound. He spent"
Memphis Grizzlies resist trade temptations, pick Jayhawks guard Josh Selby
"There were at least three serious conversations regarding O.J. Mayo. Another team showed great interest in Darrell Arthur. "But we made a decision to stand pat. We like our team. We just want to add to what we have." If the Grizzlies got lucky with the 49th overall pick in the second round then they will have fulfilled a couple of needs. Memphis, which also rejected offers to buy the pick, selected combo guard Josh Selby out of Kansas in hopes that he will improve their depth at point guard and perimeter shooting. The 6-3 gunner is a described as a good shooter and explosive athlete. Griz general manager Chris Wallace believes that Selby is a much better player than his disappointing"
Memphis Grizzlies hoping to mine a gem with 49th pick in draft, but luck will help
"NBA drafts are often reassessed years later with a player or two ranked much higher than his original selection because he went late in the second round and proved to be a solid contributor. They're called hidden gems. The Grizzlies will try to find great value tonight when they enter the draft with only the 49th overall pick. Barring a trade, the Griz are approaching this draft realizing that a franchise-changing prospect likely won't be found so late. But they also know an undervalued player could be there for the taking. Over the past decade, there have been productive players selected in the latter part of the second round. "Are you likely to find a star at this point? No,""
Grizzlies make first move to keep Gasol; exercise option on Sam Young
"Guard Sam Young will remain with the Grizzlies, and the team is on the verge of making its first move to keep center Marc Gasol. The Griz will soon exercise a contract option on Young in order to secure his services for the 2011-12 season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Memphis will also extend a $4.5 million qualifying offer to Gasol, making him a restricted free agent and giving the Griz the right to match any contract offer the 7-footer receives this summer. Griz owner Michael Heisley has said he plans to retain Gasol amid expectations that the Spaniard will generate great interest once free agency begins. The Griz have until June 30 to exercise the options on"
Grizzlies put big men through paces in final workouts before NBA draft
"It appears as though the Grizzlies saved their biggest for last. The team's final predraft workout is filled with power forward and center prospects today in FedExForum. University of Memphis forward Will Coleman headlines the first of two sessions, although the 6-8 former Tiger is considered a long shot to be drafted given an underwhelming college career. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots with the Tigers. Coleman recorded just five career double-doubles."
Rudy Gay headed to Cleveland?
"Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay was injured for a good chunk of last season and only got to watch as his teammates made it all the way to game seven of the Western Conference Semifinals before getting booted from the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now Gay may be watching the Grizzlies from a much further seat this coming season. ProBasketballTalk's sources tell the site that the Cleveland Cavaliers are "exploring some sort of deal" for Gay."
Report: Cleveland shopping for Rudy Gay?
"A couple insiders have said the Cavs again are exploring some sort of deal for Memphis forward Rudy Gay. Perhaps their best selling point would be to mention how well the Grizzlies fared in the playoffs without him. Gay continues to be discussed in trade rumors despite management's insistence he is not available. The same thing happened with O.J. Mayo last season until Mayo was on the verge of heading to Indiana. But Rudy's a whole other matter. He's the best player on the Grizzlies (yes, even with Zach Randolph), able to make an impact on both ends of the floor, and was on his way towards a career year before a shoulder injury put him on the shelf and opened up all these rumors."
Boring NBA draft night reward for job well done
"A quick quiz. Ready? Who are Steffon Pettigrew, Keaton Nankivil, Billy White and Talor Battle? Answer: Basketball players. Not just any basketball players, either. Players the Grizzlies brought to Memphis on Friday to prepare for the NBA Draft. How great is that? No lottery pick needed to save the franchise this year. No Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2 or Drew Gooden at No. 4. No booms, no busts. No miracles required. "It's different," said Tony Barone, the Grizzlies director of player personnel. He meant that in a good way. The Grizzlies did too well this year to be central to Thursday night's proceedings. Who needs the lottery when you've got a deep playoff run to celebrate? The"
Memphis Grizzlies hunt hot hand in NBA draft
"Just because the Grizzlies are scheduled to make a selection near the end of Thursday's NBA draft doesn't mean they will be in no man's land. Griz director of player personnel Tony Barone Sr. is confident the team can fill a need with the 49th overall pick in the second round. Toward that goal, the Griz staff worked out 12 prospects Friday at FedExForum, including two forwards who were intriguing because of their ability to rebound and make perimeter shots -- 6-8 Jamie Skeen from Virginia Commonwealth and 6-9 Vernon Macklin from Florida. The Grizzlies' final pre-draft workout is Tuesday. "One of the things you have to be careful of is making a mistake of not doing your due diligence,""
Grizzlies to bring in 12 for workouts
"Super-sized is how the Grizzlies ordered their second pre-draft workout. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. today in FedExForum, the team will conduct two sessions that feature six prospects in each. The second group is scheduled to work out at 11:30 a.m. Memphis owns the 49th overall selection in the second round of the June 23 NBA draft. The Grizzlies' first pre-draft workout June 12 focused on shooters. This one will run the gamut as coaches and executives will look at every position, including center. Participating in the first session are forwards Billy White (6-8, San Diego State), Jamie Skeen (6-8, Virginia Commonwealth), Keaton Nankivil (6-8, Wisconsin) and Steffphon Pettigrew (6-5,"
Grizzlies work out guards
"Andrew Goudelock was the most intriguing prospect scheduled to meet the Grizzlies Sunday for an NBA pre-draft workout. But Goudelock, a 6-3 scorer from the College of Charleston, didn't participate because of an injured finger on his shooting hand. Griz director of player personnel, Tony Barone Sr., said the team hopes to re-schedule Goudelock's workout before the June 23 draft. Memphis owns only a second-round pick (49th overall). Memphis native Randy Culpepper, a senior guard at UTEP last season, stood in for Goudelock. However, Ohio State's 6-6 guard Jon Diebler had the most impressive session, which included guards Bill Clark, 6-4 from Duquesne, Jeremy Hazell, 6-5 from Seton Hall,"
Warriors have discussed Ellis trade with Hawks, Bulls, Lakers, Grizz and Magic
"The Warriors seem to know full well that Monday's surprising hire of TV analyst Mark Jackson as their head coach is only the first step in an attempt to transform a culture of lackluster defense. The next step - or leap - is remaking the roster, a process that is much more involved and probably ultimately more important than the coaching search. "I'll believe Mark will be able to get our defense where we want to go, but we're going to make an effort to get players that can help," general manager Larry Riley said. "He has the strength of personality and has stressed that, if this team is going to get better, it has to start on the defensive end. As far as we're concerned, that's right. "We"
Deals for Grizzlies assistant coaches in the works despite chance of lockout
"The Grizzlies' assistant coaches are working under contracts that expire at the end of the month but the organization intends to negotiate new deals by the June 23 NBA draft that is under the specter of a lockout, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Assistants Johnny Davis, Henry Bibby, Barry Hecker and Dave Joerger have deals that run through June 30. They each signed a one-year contract soon after the draft last year. None of this means the Grizzlies will retain all of their assistant coaches. Damon Stoudamire left recently to join University of Memphis coach Josh Pastner's staff. Joerger is expected to interview with the Houston Rockets soon for a job that would make"
Memphis Grizzlies not working on renewing the expiring contracts of four assistant coaches
"The Memphis Grizzlies are not working on renewing the expiring contracts of four assistant coaches in anticipation of a lockout, sources said Thursday. Assistants Johnny Davis, Dave Joerger, Henry Bibby and Barry Hecker all have contracts that expire this summer, and sources said the Grizzlies' management has not broached the subject of negotiating new deals. Teams throughout the league are taking different approaches to the possibility of a lockout. Some teams are providing partial pay to their staffs that are still under contract. Some, like the Grizzlies, are waiting to renew contracts until a new labor pact is in place. Others, such as the New Jersey Nets, have staff under contract but"