Randolph for Darko still being discussed

[nycballer]

Griz move(s) on the horizon?

Posted by Ronald Tillery What’s going to happen next now that the Grizzlies’ attempt to sign restricted free agent Josh Smith is a little more than two weeks in the rear-view mirror?

Just like they did with regard to Smith, the Griz are methodically crafting their next move. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Griz will consummate a trade before the start of training camp as general manager Chris Wallace has repeatedly said he isn’t interested in pinching away at the team’s money under the salary cap.

Memphis wants to throw all of its money at an impact guy or do nothing in free agency. So with the exception of signing Iranian center Hamed Ehadadi for NBA peanuts there are a few whispers around the league involving the Griz and possible deals:

$$ While the Griz were courting Smith they also had trade discussions regarding New York Knicks power forward Zach Randolph. Those discussions — mostly internal – are still ongoing as Randolph has been made available.

The Griz are willing to part with Darko Milicic (last year’s big free agent signing) in a package that wouldn’t require a core player (OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, etc). What the brain trust seems to be debating is whether Randolph fits the Grizzlies’ style on and off the court.

Randolph is a bonafide low-post scorer who can shoot along the perimeter and rebound. But he doesn’t offer much on defense, something the Griz desperately want to upgrade and Randolph’s character issues may present a problem.

That said, the Griz need talent. Randolph would beef up a thin power forward corps of Hakim Warrick and rookie Darrell Arthur. They’ve got a group of “nice guys” so adding one knucklehead in Randolph shouldn’t be a big deal. Although second-year head coach Marc Iavaroni struggled at times effectively communicating with players, he is credited with helping Phoenix big man Amare Stoudemire take his game to the next level.

$$ Portland has been calling. The Trail Blazers want a point guard and are willing to part with Travis Outlaw (Starkville native) to get a floor general from the Griz. It’s probably more likely that the Blazers would want Conley — and not Kyle Lowry — in this scenario because Conley is the purest point guard in the bunch and Portland could pull off a reunion with former teammate Greg Oden.

If that’s the case, the Griz would need more than Outlaw in return. But I don’t believe trading Conley is a wise move. Trading Conley would put the Griz back at square one, again searching for a dynamic point guard to compensate for the loss of the GOOD Jason Williams.

And why would Griz give up on a smart, physically gifted point guard so quickly? So that Mayo can handle the ball? Take away Conley’s quirky injuries and remember he’s just 20 years old, and the Griz would be wise to keep him. My guess is that they will given Conley was a deal breaker in attempts to get the right to draft Michael Beasley.

$$ Speaking of Lowry, I haven’t heard that he is on the move to Miami or anywhere else. The Griz seem more inclined to keep Lowry because of his defensive ability and toughness at a time the team wants to improve in those areas.

$$ The Griz aren’t too concerned about the Achilles injury Milicic suffered last month.
All Milicic apparently needs is rest so he reportedly won’t rejoin the Serbian national team for a qualifying tourney for next year’s Euro championship.

Stay tuned…

SOURCE: The Memphis Edge � Blog Archive � Griz move(s) on the horizon?

[Boogie Man]

We only do this if they throw in Hakim Warrick, he would be great in coach Ds system and he is long shot blocker and will dunk on you. Won chip with Melo at big Orange, matter of fact he made the game winning block to seal the chip.

[Jonny B]

I'd take Jaric and Darko for ZBo. We need to get rid of that albatross. Jaric's salary will be easier to deal and we will be out from under half of Zach's salary. Also, Jaric and Milicic will adapt well to D'Antoni's system.

[eastflatknick]

I would take Darko straight up for Zach...that's where we are right now...or a 2nd rounder even.

If the real hold up to the Clipper deal was the KNICKS giving up a first rounder, than I would be more than comfortable taking the same deal minus giving up the pick.

I just don't think the Grizz are so desperate that these "internal talks" will get serious.

[nycballer]

I'd definitely be down with Zbo for Darko straight up. The chance of acquiring a shot-blocker while unloading Zbo is just too tempting to pass on. While Darko certainly doesn't have the offensive skills that Zbo has we are not in need of low-post scoring. As long as Darko brings his shot blocking skills (he's among the top in the league) that would bode very well in D'Antoni's system.

Now i'm not sure that the salaries would match up but if it meant us having to take back a contract I would be happy to relieve Memphis of one of their many talented PGs (Crittenton, Lowry, Conley). I'd even be happy to take back Adriana (Jaric's fiance) - she'd look great alongside Beyonce at the Knick's games.

[Jonny B]

That's right. Memphis is under the cap and could take half his salary no problemo. Nice. I actually really like Darko's game. He is starting to develop and would fit the Euro style D'Antoni wants. He can rebound, block shots and hit the open J. Adding him and Gallo inside could be pretty cool. Also, we get out from under Zach's contract. Crawford and Curry will be easier to deal too. Imagine our own dream team with LeBron, DWade, Gallo and Darko. Hmmmmm

[mAAAbs]

First of all, what the hell was memphis thinking when they signed him to a big 'pact last summer? And no I would not do a Randolph-Darko swap. There's plenty of time to move these contracts, Z-Bo's production will come in handy this year.

[nyballa6]

Originally Posted by nycballer

I'd even be happy to take back Adriana (Jaric's fiance) - she'd look great alongside Beyonce at the Knick's games.

Jaric is with Adriana Lima??? lol, that's crazy!

[alleykat]

Originally Posted by Jonny B

That's right. Memphis is under the cap and could take half his salary no problemo. Nice. I actually really like Darko's game. He is starting to develop and would fit the Euro style D'Antoni wants. He can rebound, block shots and hit the open J. Adding him and Gallo inside could be pretty cool. Also, we get out from under Zach's contract. Crawford and Curry will be easier to deal too. Imagine our own dream team with LeBron, DWade, Gallo and Darko. Hmmmmm

keep dreaming about Lebron JonnyB!

[Jonny B]

Can you blame me???