NBA Rumors: Memphis Grizzlies Talking Trade With Raptors
By Phil Watson
According to a report, the Memphis Grizzlies are in talks with the Toronto Raptors about a potential trade that would ship the Grizzlies’ pick at 22nd overall along with the contract of Tayshaun Prince north of the border.
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported that the Raptors are seeking another pick in the back end of the first round, where they would have two picks in the range of the draft where Syracuse guard, and Canadian native, Tyler Ennis is likely to be selected.
Memphis wants to dump Prince’s $7.7 million salary for 2014-15 after Prince put together one of the worst seasons in the entire league in 2013-14.
Prince started 76 games for the Grizzlies this season and averaged 25.6 minutes a game, but averaged just six points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists and shot a putrid .407/.290/.567 slash line.
His player efficiency rating of 8.2 (league average is 15) ranked 153rd among 154 players who appeared in at least 50 games and averaged at least 25 minutes a game.
Only Sacramento’s Ben McLemore (7.7) was worse.
The Grizzlies would get back John Salmons and Toronto’s second-round pick at No. 37 overall, according to the report.
Memphis already has almost $64.2 million committed for 2014-15, including Zach Randolph’s $16.5 million player option and a team option on Kosta Koufos worth $3 million
That would already be above the projected salary cap of $63.2 million for next season before taking into account signing any draft picks or accounting for the cap hold for restricted free agent Ed Davis.
Tayshaun Prince was a valuable member of a Detroit Pistons team that went to six straight conference finals, two NBA Finals and won a title in 2004, but at 34, he’s obviously running on fumes.
While the Grizzlies would hate to lose the No. 22 pick, Salmons comes with a $7 million salary, of which only $1 million is guaranteed if he is waived before Monday.