The 2014 NBA trade deadline is approaching as several teams have inquired about dealing for Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph. The Grizzlies have been playing well since getting Courtney Lee as they are now back on the rise in the Western Conference. With that, they have rejected all the Z-Bo offers.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Phoenix Suns were believed to be one of the suitors for Randolph, but the Grizzlies turned them down. Randolph can become a free agent this offseason if he opts out, but he has a $16.9 million option on the table.
Randolph has undoubtedly been Memphis' MVP this season, with the 32-year-old averaging 17.5 points and nearly 11 rebounds per game. In fact, if you really look at it, you could say he was the team's best player even during the Rudy Gay days.
Memphis really has no need to worry about Randolph leaving as the 12-year veteran out of Michigan State wants to return. In fact, the Grizzlies probably won't be doing much of anything at the trade deadline.
According to USA Today, Memphis could try looking for small forward if anything:
The Grizzlies aren’t necessarily among the more active teams, but they are known to be perusing their rivals’ rosters in search of an upgrade at the small forward spot. Veteran Tayshaun Prince is having the worst of his 12 seasons as a starter, averaging just 6.0 points (38% shooting overall, 29.5% from three-point range), 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 26.7 minutes a game….
Forward and possible free agent-to-be Zach Randolph has yet to say whether he plans to opt out this summer but has made it widely known that he wants to return. In turn, it appears the Grizzlies have no plans of trading him.
Most likely, I see Memphis doing a restructure on Randolph this summer. He'll probably get a deal like what David West has on the Indiana Pacers, as he will sign for around $10 million for two or three years.
