http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on...Is a fire sale coming to a championship contender?
As rumors continue to swirl around a potential Rudy Gay trade from the Grizzlies, the Memphis Commercial-Appeal reports that Gay isn't the only starter for Memphis who could be moved as the franchise tries to get under the luxury tax.
Griz CEO Jason Levien, whom principal owner Robert Pera has entrusted to run the franchise, is gauging the value of several players on the roster. There also have been exploratory trade conversations centered on forward Zach Randolph.
The Sacramento Kings are one of the teams the Griz recently held preliminary talks with, according to a league source.
via Grizzlies' Rudy Gay unruffled by trade talks: 'If it happens it happens' » The Commercial Appeal.
Let's be clear about this. Trading ZBo would be disastrous for the franchise. He's the most popular player in team history. He is their best player. He led the only playoff series win in team history. He identifies with the city and embodies the culture that the team has tried to develop. He's been an on-floor leader and a friend to fellow big man Marc Gasol. Trading him would set the franchise back in way more ways than just points and rebounds.
Oh, but he is averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds per game this season as well.
If the new ownership in Memphis is this hard up for cash when it comes to the salary and luxury tax, then maybe making the $377-million bid wasn't the best idea. The city has only come to embrace the team in the past few years, with this grit, grind approach having resonated with the city's blue-collar culture. Randolph has embodied that. Trading Randolph in a cash dump has its upside, namely getting out of his long-term contract money, which will inevitably be an anchor as he ages.
But moving your best player, the All-Star, the most popular player, to save yourself the luxury bill? That's a disaster waiting to happen for the team and its relationship with the city.
Fawk the grizz, they haven't been cool since they were in Vancouver
IronWillGiroud wrote:Fawk the grizz, they haven't been cool since they were in Vancouver
My grandfather used to live in Vancouver, spent a few summers there in high school, great town. Has one of the nicest racetracks I've ever seen with the Canadian rockies in the background.
I'd love to see Zach back. Hard to find an old school post player like him. Would have to give up players I don't want to see go though.
GustavBahler wrote:IronWillGiroud wrote:Fawk the grizz, they haven't been cool since they were in Vancouver
My grandfather used to live in Vancouver, spent a few summers there in high school, great town. Has one of the nicest racetracks I've ever seen with the Canadian rockies in the background.
I'd love to see Zach back. Hard to find an old school post player like him. Would have to give up players I don't want to see go though.
I used to play with the Griz on NBA LIVE 96 or 97, when they had Big Country,
ZBO is a bad man, one of the guys I was sad to see leave after the Isiah Era, and ZBO was ill-nasty under D'Antoni, too! Remember he came out dropping treys that first MDA season!
GustavBahler wrote:http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on...Is a fire sale coming to a championship contender?
As rumors continue to swirl around a potential Rudy Gay trade from the Grizzlies, the Memphis Commercial-Appeal reports that Gay isn't the only starter for Memphis who could be moved as the franchise tries to get under the luxury tax.
Griz CEO Jason Levien, whom principal owner Robert Pera has entrusted to run the franchise, is gauging the value of several players on the roster. There also have been exploratory trade conversations centered on forward Zach Randolph.
The Sacramento Kings are one of the teams the Griz recently held preliminary talks with, according to a league source.
via Grizzlies' Rudy Gay unruffled by trade talks: 'If it happens it happens' » The Commercial Appeal.
Let's be clear about this. Trading ZBo would be disastrous for the franchise. He's the most popular player in team history. He is their best player. He led the only playoff series win in team history. He identifies with the city and embodies the culture that the team has tried to develop. He's been an on-floor leader and a friend to fellow big man Marc Gasol. Trading him would set the franchise back in way more ways than just points and rebounds.
Oh, but he is averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds per game this season as well.
If the new ownership in Memphis is this hard up for cash when it comes to the salary and luxury tax, then maybe making the $377-million bid wasn't the best idea. The city has only come to embrace the team in the past few years, with this grit, grind approach having resonated with the city's blue-collar culture. Randolph has embodied that. Trading Randolph in a cash dump has its upside, namely getting out of his long-term contract money, which will inevitably be an anchor as he ages.
But moving your best player, the All-Star, the most popular player, to save yourself the luxury bill? That's a disaster waiting to happen for the team and its relationship with the city.
Ummm, isn't this the team that watched Pau Gasol go buh bye?
Sorry, can't concern myself with third world franchises who are responsible for things like Big Country, Abdur Rahim and the Pledge, and the resurrection of Hubie Brown. Even if they do currently give us trouble.
I have enough ugly historical problems of my own here in Knicksville. Should I care to go back and ponder them.
This would be the 2nd dumbest move in recent years. 2nd only to letting Lin go for nothing.
NYKBocker wrote:This would be the 2nd dumbest move in recent years. 2nd only to letting Lin go for nothing.
I don't know, sometimes it's about being a step ahead, because this could be the best time to move this player and I don't know if they're going for a championship with him this year, they're the type of team that will cut the fat and stay competitive
