Memphis Grizzlies Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Pera, Levien On Gay, Stats, Hollins, Randolph, Tax

February 12th, 2013 at 5:47pm CST by Chuck Myron

Grizzlies owner Robert Pera and CEO Jason Levien today held their first press conference with local media since November, and after a pair of trades within the last month, there was plenty to catch up on. Marlon W. Morgan of the Memphis Commercial Appeal rounded up comments from the presser, and fellow Commercial Appeal scribe Kyle Veazey followed up with an exclusive interview with the two men in charge of the team. Both pieces are worth a read, but we'll round up the highlights of what Pera and Levien had to say from both stories here:

Pera on Rudy Gay:

"I was actually a big Rudy Gay fan. He was 6'9", over a 7-foot wing span with a 40-inch vertical, really smooth and athletic and on the highlights all the time. He was awesome. But like I said, going back to basketball and how it’s a team sport and all the pieces fit together, the offense we run is really traditional. It’s inside-outside, a grinding type of offense. Rudy’s talent, his potential really couldn’t be maximized in our system. I think it was good for him and I think it was good for the team. I think the pieces we got back were much stronger. I wouldn’t say the players we got back were necessarily better than Rudy. Rudy’s a special talent. But for our team and for our fit, I think the personnel and the team we have constructed now is probably the best Grizzlies team when you’re looking at the total team and chemistry and how it fits our style of play.”

Pera on the team's reliance on advanced metrics:

"Well, we like the movie "Moneyball." They use a lot of advanced statistics for the Oakland A's teams. But the difference between baseball and basketball, is (in) baseball, you have individual players, they each have an on-base percentage and a batting average, defensive capabilities. All these parts added together equals the strength of the team, right? But in basketball it's completely different. A player can be immensely valuable in one system and maybe not as valuable in another system. I think it's the combination of pieces in basketball. Analytics are a great tool but you also have to look at the individual player analytics in the context of the system you're running."

Pera on whether coach Lionel Hollins, in the last year of his deal, will receive a new contract:

“I think all that for now is confidential. The final decision will come down to Jason and I’ll approve whichever direction he wants to go."

Levien on Hollins:

"I don’t think it behooves us to speak publicly about any kind of contract situation. We had a great meeting with Lionel and I’ve certainly enjoyed the interaction he and I have had over the past several months. He has a proven track record that’s very impressive as a coach. We see him as a big asset to the team."

Levien on Zach Randolph:

"There was never a serious discussion or dialogue around trading Zach Randolph. I can say that categorically. We’re really proud of him for going back to the All-Star Game."

Levien on the team's luxury tax strategy:

"We don't have a hard and fast rule about being in the tax or not being in the tax, being up to the line or not. We want to field the most competitive team. Part of it is — yeah, you don't want to throw money away — but part of it is, when you're in the tax, it restricts in the kind of trades you can make, the kind of free agents you can sign, the kinds of decisions you can make to get better. That's what the rules do now. It's not just about the money. So, we've talked about not having a hard and fast line, or where we're going to be, but thinking through what's our end game? Our end game is to be consistently very competitive and try to win a championship. I think some years you're going to see us in the tax, some years you're going to see us well below it, some years you're going to see us just up against it. The money is one of the factors, but the biggest factor is how do we field the best team going forward?"

Spears On Spurs, Smith, Maynor, Knicks, Grizzlies

February 12th, 2013 at 11:15am CST by Luke Adams

Not content to simply rank the NBA's teams, one through 30, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports also includes plenty of interesting trade rumors and nuggets within his power rankings. Here are the items of note from Spears in this week's installment:

The Spurs, who used to employ current Hawks GM Danny Ferry, are among the teams interested in Josh Smith.
Eric Maynor has been drawing some interest, and Spears suggests that he could be a fit for the Jazz, the team that initially drafted him.
The Knicks are still trying to decide whether they should wait on injured bigs Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace or sign a free agent.
Zach Randolph appears safe in Memphis, but the Grizzlies could still try to make a deal using one or more of their seven trade exceptions.
Spears hears from a source that it's been nearly three weeks since the Raptors and Bulls last discussed a Carlos Boozer/Andrea Bargnani swap.
No Suns player is untouchable via trade.
Talks between the Bobcats and Nets involving Kris Humphries and Ben Gordon remain at a standstill.

Odds & Ends: Josh Smith, Suns, Mavs, Tony Allen

February 9th, 2013 at 3:37pm CST by Chuck Myron

It's a light five-game schedule in the NBA tonight, with no clashes of two teams that appear to be headed for the playoffs. So, it may be time for a few executives around the league to take their eyes off the court and delve into trade talks, with the deadline just a dozen days away. We'll be keeping tabs on all the latest, with a few afternoon items right here:

Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News expects the Suns and Mavs to be players for Josh Smith before the deadline (Twitter link). Yesterday we heard there's a 60% chance the Hawks deal Smith away, and that they're seeking a "quality young center" in return — the sort of asset neither Phoenix nor Dallas appears to possess, which could necessitate a three-way swap.
Shaun Powell of Sports on Earth praises Tony Allen's defense, and passes along comments from the Grizzlies swingman about hitting free agency this summer. "I'd like to stay but whatever happens I'm cool with it," Allen said. "I'll get what's coming to me. At least I hope. They say defense wins games, right? They say it's all about how you play defense, right?"
Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game is surprised that Brandon Jennings has changed agents, arguing that Excel's Jeff Schwartz is likely to use the same leverage BDA's Bill Duffy would have when Jennings becomes a restricted free agent in the offseason (Sulia link).
Brad Rock of the Deseret News believes the Jazz should stand pat at the trade deadline and preserve their flexibility for the summer.
Chris Dortch of NBA.com looks at how potential No. 1 overall pick Nerlens Noel sizes up against Anthony Davis and other shot-blocking savants.
Joe Kotoch of SheridanHoops.com examines the top power forwards available in the 2013 draft.

Stein’s Latest: Clippers, Josh Smith, Randolph

February 8th, 2013 at 11:42pm CST by Chuck Myron

Marc Stein's Weekend Dime at ESPN.com is usually full of juicy rumors year-round, and with the trade deadline less than two weeks away, this week's edition is especially jam-packed. Let's dig in:

The Clippers went fishing for Kevin Garnett, and while the Celtics seem uninterested in such a swap, Stein expects Clippers to keep looking for deals as the trade deadline draws near. L.A. might like to send out DeAndre Jordan, who's eager for more playing time and whose lack of production has frustrated coach Vinny Del Negro, but the more likely trade chip is third-year point guard Eric Bledsoe. Stein hears there's a 99.5% chance Chris Paul re-signs this summer, but if the Clippers endure an early playoff exit, Paul's future, as well as Del Negro's job, could hang in the balance.
If the Hawks trade Josh Smith, they'll be looking for "a quality young center" in return.
The Grizzlies have told Zach Randolph they won't trade him, and Memphis is unlikely to make another move involving Randolph or anyone else. Still, despite coach Lionel Hollins' insistence that he and management are on the same page, the coach's dim view of the Rudy Gay trade has cast a pall on the locker room, as Stein writes.
Reports that the Rockets have interest in Danny Granger are inaccurate, according to Stein.
Denver isn't biting on an offer for Timofey Mozgov unless the Nuggets get one that's "crazy good."
The Sixers, open to a shakeup as they wait for Andrew Bynum to make his Philadelphia debut, are shopping Evan Turner.
Samuel Dalembert was on the market even before he did his best to showcase his value with a career-best 35-point game against the Nuggets this week, and he's not the only player Milwaukee might trade. Monta Ellis and Beno Udrih are among the Bucks who could be on the move.
Boston isn't better with Rajon Rondo out for the season, but Stein believes the Celtics' six-game winning streak can be at least partially explained by the team's improved attitude without the moody Rondo around.

Southwest Rumors: Hollins, White, Ingles

February 8th, 2013 at 7:47pm CST by Chuck Myron

Four of the five Southwest Division teams are in action tonight, including the Rockets, who have a key clash with the Blazers, the team sitting just one game behind them for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Rockets could be getting a boost from one of their lottery picks soon, as we examine along with other news from the Southwest:

The Associated Press provides more of Hollins' comments, noting that the coach would have preferred the Grizzlies keep their core together (link via HoopsWorld). Ron Higgins of the Memphis Commercial Appeal adds even more. "Was I disappointed? Of course I was disappointed. … But that doesn’t mean I love Rudy Gay more than I love Zach Randolph. It doesn’t mean that I can’t go on without Rudy Gay."

Earlier updates:

Royce White has passed a physical with the Rockets, and everything is set for him to join the team's D-League affiliate next week, reports Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston. White said there's no timetable for how long he'll stay with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, but added that he believes the Rockets want to make it a short stint.
In a series of dispatches on his Twitter account, Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal shared remarks from Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins, who insists he's on board with the front office and wants to return to coach the team next season. "I hope everything I say isn't taken as I hate management," said Hollins, who made earlier comments that appeared to indicate he opposed the Rudy Gay deal. "Am I emotional about the trade? Yes. But it is the business of basketball and i understand it."
Australian big man Joe Ingles, currently playing in Spain, drew interest from the Grizzlies in the wake of last month's three-for-one trade. While a signing didn't materialize, the 25-year-old has long dreamed of joining the NBA, as HoopsHype's Jorge Sierra examines. Ingles' deal with FC Barcelona is up at the end of the season.

Grizzlies Tell Randolph He Won’t Be Moved

February 8th, 2013 at 10:40am CST by Luke Adams

Earlier today, we heard from Ric Bucher that the Grizzlies may not be done dealing, but they're looking to add a piece rather than shed more salary. Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal backs up that report, tweeting that the Grizzlies have informed Zach Randolph he won't be moved this season.

The Grizzlies' activity within the last few weeks suggested strongly that the new ownership group was looking to cut long-term costs, making Randolph, who is owed $17.8MM next season and $16.5MM in 2014/15, a prime trade candidate. But while teams continue to call about Randolph, the Grizzlies are telling clubs that they're not interested in moving the All-Star forward, according to Tillery (via Twitter).

Bucher reported overnight that, in their search to add wing help using their $7.49MM trade exception, the Grizzlies discussed pursuing Courtney Lee. Tillery doesn't confirm the team's interest in Lee, but does indicate that using that exception to add a big man or a shooter is a possibility. Still, the likelihood of that sort of deal is only about 50/50, says Tillery (via Twitter).

Grizzlies Discussed Pursuing Courtney Lee

February 8th, 2013 at 8:40am CST by Luke Adams

After participating in the NBA's first two trades of 2013, the Grizzlies aren't necessarily done dealing, according to Ric Bucher of 95.7 The Game (via Sulia). But Bucher says that the team is now far enough below the luxury-tax threshold that it's open to adding players rather than shedding more salary.

According to Bucher, the Grizzlies discussed the possibility of acquiring Courtney Lee using a traded player exception. The largest of Memphis' seven TPEs is worth about $7.49MM, so Lee's $5MM salary could comfortably fit in that exception with no danger of the team approaching the tax again. However, Bucher adds that the Celtics aren't currently interested in simply shedding salary themselves, and would prefer to add a big man — that's something the Grizzlies likely can't afford to give up, since coach Lionel Hollins has already griped about the team's lack of frontcourt depth.

Given the Grizzlies' aversion to adding big long-term money to their books, the club could end up targeting a perimeter player on a shorter deal than Lee, who is under contract for another three years and $16.35MM after this season.

Kyler On Randolph, Lakers, Redick, Magic

February 7th, 2013 at 8:14am CST by Luke Adams

With just two weeks remaining until this season's trade deadline, we may not see any deals consummated today, but it's only a matter of time before talks heat up. Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld has the latest on a few teams and players that could be involved in those talks, so let's round up his updates….

Despite some rumblings that Zach Randolph could be a trade candidate, Kyler's sources downplay the possibility of the veteran forward being moved by February 21st, noting that the Grizzlies certainly aren't "shopping" him. While the right offer can change a team's stance, Memphis will likely hang on to Randolph at least through the deadline.
With Pau Gasol expected to miss a significant period of time and Dwight Howard's status up in the air, the Lakers may feel some pressure to add a frontcourt player to the roster. However, Kyler hears from Lakers sources that the club isn't anticipating adding a body via free agency in the short-term.
The Lakers' thinking is that integrating a free agent may be more trouble than its worth, and even if they want to add a player, better options could arise at the trade deadline or at the buyout deadline.
Despite plenty of interest in J.J. Redick, the Magic still seem more inclined to retain the sharpshooter. According to Kyler, Redick has expressed a desire to re-sign or at least work out a sign-and-trade this summer in exchange for not being moved at the deadline, which appeals to Orlando.

Ford’s Latest: Bucks, Smith, Randolph, Nuggets

February 6th, 2013 at 2:15pm CST by Luke Adams

Although Chad Ford's weekly chat at ESPN.com featured plenty of draft questions once again this week, Ford also addressed a number of trade questions and rumors. Many of Ford's answers focused more on his own opinions or speculation, but here are a few of the highlights from ESPN's NBA draft guru:

Ford is hearing that the Bucks are "very active" and that Samuel Dalembert isn't the only player they're actively discussing. Monta Ellis, Beno Udrih, and Ersan Ilyasova could all be had as well, according to Ford.
The Hawks would like to move Josh Smith, but the market for him isn't currently very strong and the team is still holding on to hope that Smith could help lure Dwight Howard to Atlanta this summer, says Ford.
Zach Randolph "looks like a marked man," according to Ford, though it's not clear whether he thinks the Grizzlies will trade Randolph in the next two weeks or further down the road.
Ford keeps hearing the Nuggets mentioned in trade scenarios, with Danilo Gallinari's and Wilson Chandler's names coming up most frequently.

Rudy Gay Talks Trade, Grizzlies, Raptors

February 6th, 2013 at 12:39pm CST by Luke Adams

The new-look Raptors have played well since adding Rudy Gay, cruising to a convincing win over the Clippers on Friday night before playing the Heat close until the final few minutes of Sunday's game. The Raptors will take on the Celtics tonight, a day after Gay appeared on The Fan 590 in Toronto to discuss the move from Memphis to Toronto. Brad Gagnon of Sports Radio Interviews passes along a few highlights from Gay's conversation with Tim and Sid….

On his initial reaction when he heard about the trade:

"I was excited for a new start. I’ve known a lot of these guys here and I’ve been a fan of DeMar’s for a long time. I like the fact that he’s gotten better and better every year. So it was cool. It was a new start for me."

On whether he expected to stay in Memphis after the Grizzlies sent Marreese Speights and Wayne Ellington to the Cavaliers:

"I did, but I wasn’t sure. As soon as they changed the ownership it was kind of like you didn’t know what was going to happen. And that’s no way to run a business, if you’re asking me. But I’m just happy I’m here now and I’m not really going to elaborate too much on what they do."

On the possibility of the Raptors becoming a contender:

"With the kind of leadership we have here, and ownership… I think this would be a great place for free agents — and with the kind of moves they’re making here, also with trades."

On how many pieces the Raps need to add to become a consistent playoff team:

"I say one — one piece. I think honestly we can get there with this team but I think we could really make noise if we have one more piece. It doesn’t take a lot, because everybody’s going to pick up their game and everybody’s gonna come prepared to try to win."