Grizzlies looking to add firepower; CDR among players Memphis may consider
The Grizzlies have one eye on the standings and the other on the business of basketball two weeks before the NBA's trade deadline.
In a season where the dynamics have gone from merely improving on last year's 24 wins to competing for a playoff spot, the Griz continue to mull potential trades designed to capitalize on their sudden momentum.
General manager Chris Wallace reiterated Thursday night that the Griz are seeking "reinforcement for the stretch run" with a primary goal of securing a playoff berth.
The Grizzlies' most glaring weakness remains a woefully unproductive bench. Their lack of depth is what separates the Griz from postseason competitors like the Houston Rockets, who arrive in FedExForum tonight with an identical record at 26-22.
"We're mulling over our options," Wallace said. "We've got some potential opportunities. As I've said before, it'll have to be something at our terms. We're in a race. This season has gone well so far, particularly at home. On any given night we're capable of beating anybody on the schedule.
"But at the same time it would be good to get some reinforcement for the stretch run. ... That's why we're aggressive in trying to see if we can find someone who can help us."
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 18.
Wallace wouldn't talk about specific players the Grizzlies might covet. Recent trade rumors link the Griz to former University of Memphis swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts, who is in his second season with the New Jersey Nets.
According to internet reports, Douglas-Roberts has fallen out of favor with the Nets and has been relegated to the bench. He would fit the description of the type of player Memphis seems to be inquiring about: an athletic, guard/forward who can score and is aggressive on defense.
The Griz have also looked into potential deals involving Miami's Dorell Wright and Utah's Ronnie Brewer.
"We'd like to get a guy that could come into the rotation and help," Wallace said. "It could be scoring. It could be a competent, well-rounded player. The only exception could be a young player with tremendous upside. We'd like to augment what we have. Whether that happens remains to be seen."
The Griz are operating with the most room of any team under the NBA's salary cap at roughly $3.2 million. They could also use one or more of their three 2010 first-round draft picks to close a deal.
Memphis has been reluctant to offer its own 2010 selection but has given serious consideration to moving the picks it is owed from Denver and the Los Angeles Lakers. Future picks are negotiable given the Grizzlies' young nucleus.
"We have to be comfortable with how (picks) are conveyed," said Wallace, who predicted that deals around the league are more likely to happen as the trade deadline approaches.
Wallace is multitasking at the moment.
He also is negotiating a contract extension with coach Lionel Hollins. Wallace wouldn't characterize the talks except to say both sides are moving toward a deal.
Griz owner Michael Heisley said Thursday that he expected Hollins and the team to agree to an extension sometime this month.
"I'm confident something will get done," Heisley said.