2008-07-03 18:04:38 UTC
And for you Haters...Here is more proof!
This story is from hoopsworld!
Grizzlies in Position: The Memphis Grizzlies have gotten their fair share of flak for trading Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers and now Mike Miller to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The franchise is clearly restructuring and may not be the most attractive destination for a free agent looking to quickly win a championship.
Memphis has fully embraced the rebuilding process by establishing significant financial flexibility. Key to the deal bringing in O.J. Mayo from Minnesota was the contract status of Greg Buckner and Antoine Walker. Both have language in their deals that are very favorable for the Grizzlies. Buckner has a $1 million buy-out built into his contract after this year at the team's discretion. In the case of Walker, none of his earnings are guaranteed after the coming season.
Together they represent a $13 million in expiring contracts at Memphis' disposal (all but the $1 million for Buckner). That's in addition to the $14.6 million they'll have to spend (based on a $58 million estimated salary cap).
If they use discretion, next summer they could be over $25 million under the cap, although the pending signing of Marc Gasol would cut into that number. The Grizzlies have a number of trade assets in young guards Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry and Javaris Crittenton. The hope is that one of the three will emerge as a suitable backcourt partner to Mayo. When Memphis is ready to a make a deal, they'll have their fair share of suitors.
Getting rid of the star players isn't nearly as difficult when the franchise is losing and attendance dropping. On paper the Gasol deal may look one-sided but it was a necessary step in stripping the Grizzlies down to the core.
In the meantime they'll lose a lot of games but the pieces are slowly taking form with Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Darrell Arthur, Gasol, Lowry, Conley and Crittenton.
Over 20+ MILLION DOLLARS IN CAP SPACE NEXT SEASON! And for all you haters who still think "An AllStar Caliber" player won't come to Memphis for that kind of dough is an
IDIOT! When it's all said and done MEMPHIS will win that Pau Gasol trade hands down! In 3 seasons barring any injuries...The Grizzlies will be one of the top teams in the West! I can't wait! Go Grizzlies!!!!!!!