Grizzlies Discussed Pursuing Courtney Lee
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
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
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
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."
Odds & Ends: Jennings, Pekovic, Flynn, Draft
Perhaps the most accomplished fourth-year player not to receive a contract extension before the season, it appears Brandon Jennings is preparing for restricted free agency this summer. According to Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal (Twitter link), Jennings has parted ways with agent Bill Duffy of BDA Sports Management. It's not clear yet who will be representing Jennings as he approaches free agency, but Duffy indicated that he wishes the Bucks guard "nothing but the best" (Twitter link). Here are a few more Monday odds and ends from around the NBA:
- Past reports have suggested the Trail Blazers have interest in Nikola Pekovic, and Pekovic considers that a compliment, writes Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. "That's really nice when you hear that other teams like Portland really want to bring you in," Pekovic said. "That means that I'm doing a good job and they like what I'm doing. That's something nice."
- Productive players on rookie deals are among the league's most valuable commodities, but sometimes maximizing their value means trading them at the right time, says Tom Ziller of SBNation.com.
- Jonny Flynn's All-Star season in Australia may put him back on the NBA radar, writes Wendell Maxey of Ridiculous Upside.
- In his weekly Morning Tip piece at NBA.com, TNT's David Aldridge explores the Grizzlies' decision to trade Rudy Gay and speculates on who might be the next executive director of the NBPA.
- In their latest look at this June's potential draft class, Jay Bilas and Chad Ford of ESPN.com (Insider link) examine the nation's best big-men prospects.
Grizzlies Re-Sign Chris Johnson
The Grizzlies have re-signed small forward Chris Johnson to another 10-day contract, tweets Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. It's the final 10-day deal he can sign with the team, as the Grizzlies would have to commit for the rest of the season if they want to bring him back again.
Memphis inked him to his first 10-day contract on January 23rd, and he's averaged 5.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in 18.4 minutes over five games. The Grizzlies were down to an 11-man roster after their three-for-one trade with the Cavs before they added him last month, and briefly dipped down to 12 when Johnson's first 10-day deal expired this weekend. The roster minimum is 13, though Memphis had a couple weeks to restock its roster following the trade.
Johnson, a product of Dayton, is not to be confused with Chris Johnson of LSU, a big man on a 10-day contract with the Timberwolves.
Eastern Rumors: Cavs, Speights, Casspi, Lowry
Much has been said about this week's three-team swap that sent Rudy Gay to the Raptors, and it's understandably overshadowed the three-for-one deal the Grizzlies and Cavaliers pulled off a couple of weeks ago. Still, the effects of that one persist, and GMs around the league believe it was a steal for the Cavs, reports Bob Finnan of The News-Herald. Finnan has more on the Cavs, and we'll round that up along with other rumors from the Eastern Conference right here:
- Most around the league believe Marreese Speights will decline his $4.5MM option for next season, Finnan hears, motivating Cleveland to entertain offers for him between now and the trade deadline.
- Omri Casspi isn't expected to re-sign with the Cavs this summer, and he may return to his native Israel to play, according to Finnan.
- While Jose Calderon's departure doesn't necessarily mean Kyle Lowry is untouchable in Toronto, the point guard tells Lang Greene of HoopsWorld he isn't worried about getting traded at the deadline, even though he's finally feeling comfortable with the Raptors after coming aboard this past summer.
- Trade speculation hasn't fazed MarShon Brooks either, notes Fred Kerber of the New York Post.
- Answering reader questions in his mailbag, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star doesn't think there's any chance the Raptors and Calderon would entertain a reunion in free agency this summer.
Western Notes: Evans, Bryant, Grizzlies
Kings guard Tyreke Evans is playing his best ball of the past few years right now, and he's doing so all the while not showing concern with his free agency situation, writes CSNPhilly.com's Jabari Young. Sacramento chose not to extend Evans earlier this season, and there's much speculation around the league regarding whether or not he could be traded before the deadline.
- As ESPN.com reporter Marc Stein wrote earlier in his Weekend Dime column, the Grizzlies showed great interest in Tyreke Evans' services before moving Rudy Gay.
- Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant is enjoying his time as the team's prime facilitator, writes the Los Angeles Daily News' Mark Medina.
- The Commercial Appeal's Geoff Calkins gives his impression of Tayshaun Prince's debut with the Grizzlies, and what it could mean for the team moving forward.
Kyler On Gay, Magic, Smith
Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.com took questions from his followers on his Twitter account on Saturday morning, covering the Raptors' acquisition of Rudy Gay along with other topics.
- Until they see how Rudy Gay and DeMar DeRozan play together, the Raptors plan to keep both on the roster.
- Bryan Colangelo's next move should be to get out of Andrea Bargnani's contract, Kyler writes.
- The Grizzlies offered Gay to the Magic for J.J. Redick, and were rejected.
- The Magic would be willing to trade any player on their roster for the right price, Kyler writes, although they value players like Maurice Harkless very highly.
- The Hawks would prefer to keep Josh Smith, but they are exploring their options before the trade deadline.
- Kyler thinks everybody on the Mavericks is available at the trade deadline, with the exception of Dirk Nowitzki.
- The Celtics are very active in trade talks, but don't have many assets to offer.
- Given the Kings' ownership situation, Kyler doubts they move Tyreke Evans or any other player before the deadline.
- Kyler doesn't think the Jazz will trade Paul Millsap or Al Jefferson unless they can preserve flexibility.
Amick And Zillgitt On Smith, Gasol, Gay Trade
Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today have posted a new column in which they take turns speculating on which marquee player will be the next to be traded, and also react to the Rudy Gay trade:
- Amick writes that it's well-known around the league that Josh Smith is unhappy in Atlanta and that the team is open to trading him. He wants a max deal, and new Hawks GM Danny Ferry wants to take a more financially responsible approach to building his roster.
- Zillgitt thinks that, despite reports to the contrary, the Lakers could move Pau Gasol before the deadline. He points to the Celtics as a possible destination, writing that they need size following Jared Sullinger's injury.
- Both Amick and Zillgitt think positively of the Raptors' acquisition of Gay. Zillgitt adds that the move was a financially smart move for the Grizzlies, and likes the fit of Tayshaun Prince on their roster. He also praises the acquisition of Jose Calderon for the Pistons.