All-Star forward Zach Randolph will look at other options in the free-agency market despite building a strong relationship with his Grizzlies team and community in Memphis, Michael Wallace of Grind City Media writes. Randolph, who averaged 14.9 points on 44 percent FG shooting, will become an unrestricted free-agent this off-season.
Z-Bo’s Summer
Randolph’s next free-agency destination will be one of the most intriguing story-lines for the Grizzlies this off-season. Despite the fact that he will turn 36-years old in July, Z-Bo will still draw significant interest from multiple teams, including contenders that are looking for depth in their front-line.
Randolph is one of the favorites to win the Sixth Man of the Year award after putting up at least 14 points and 8.2 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game last season.
As expected, the bulky veteran stepped up his game in the postseason, as he averaged 13.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest in the six-game series against the San Antonio Spurs.
According to Wallace, the Grizzlies are capable of signing Randolph to a 2-year deal worth $8MM to $10MM per season. However, retaining Z-Bo’s service means the Grizzlies’ salary cap problem will persist ($92 million in guaranteed salaries) and the veteran will continue to stagnate the development of youngsters Brandan Wright and Jarrell Martin (1st round pick in 2015).
“The way I see it, in the right role (sixth man), at the right price (likely $8-10 million) and on the right contract (two years), Z-Bo can still be a great fit here,” Wallace stressed.
Moreover, the Grizz are also looking to re-sign versatile power-forward JaMychal Green, who played really well last season. Green averaged 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. At 26, Green is expected to get solid offers from teams this off-season, although the Grizz can offer him more money.
Fallback Options
In case Z-Bo bolts out for greener pasture elsewhere, Wallace expects the Grizzlies to pursue veterans like David West and Joe Johnson to fill in the hole. Then, there’s also the possibility of Pau Gasol re-joining the team and forming a terrific twin-tower tandem with his brother Marc Gasol.
The former no.3 overall pick has a player’s option for the 2017/18 season worth $16 million.
It would be surprising if he leaves that amount of money on the table for Memphis, but crazy things did happen in the previous off-seasons. The 36-year old Gasol averaged 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds on 50 percent FG shooting. He also jacked up his 3-point shooting to a career-high 53 percent.
