Memphis Grizzlies begin the real rebuilding in earnest

Storyline 1: Who wins the Iggy staring contest?

If there is one person most unhappy to be a member of the Memphis Grizzlies on the cusp of the new season, it is former NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.

Iguodala did tell NBC Sports Bay Area on Sunday that things are amicable between the two sides, but a divorce is inevitable.

But while saying he and the Grizzlies were on the same page, Iguodala made it clear he’s having trouble with the idea of going to a rebuild after five straight trips to the Finals.

"“We’ll see. OK, maybe I shouldn’t say ‘we’ll see.’ But we’re trying to figure out things on both sides. They’re trying to figure out some things and I’m trying to figure out some things. As of (Sunday), we’re on the same page. Camp opens next week. We’ll see. We’re on the same page, though.”"

However, Iguodala did say he’s not inclined to leave any of the $17.19 million he is owed on the final year of his contract on the table.

This is the first real challenge for the Grizzlies new VP of basketball operations, Zach Kleiman (who is, incidentally, five years younger than the player he is dealing with in this instance).

The situation will be resolved, in some way, shape or form. Either the Grizzlies and Iguodala will agree to a buyout and the veteran will look to find another contender to play for or the Grizzlies will find a trade partner.

The latter scenario is less likely before Dec. 15, given the sheer volume of players who are on trade restrictions as newly signed free agents.

Will Iggy come to camp? Will he be happy if he does? There are few things more disruptive to a fresh start than a decorated veteran who is visibly and vocally unhappy about being part of said fresh start.

A peaceful — and quiet — resolution to the Iguodala situation is in the best interests of the Grizzlies so they can get about the business of reshaping the franchise.