Grizzlies to Release Jones?
The Commercial Appeal is reporting that the Grizzlies may release Eddie Jones.
In the same article, the CA says the Jerry West isn't likely to make a major change before this summer. It makes sense to wait until the summer to make a major investment. Any increase in payroll this season won't result in a playoff berth and will reduce the Grizzlies' chances of getting a low draft pick.
Since the Grizzlies shouldn't pick up additional players this season, they should only buyout Jones' contract if they'll save significant money through the buyout.
Since he comes off the books at the end of the season, the Grizzlies aren't likely to make significant gains from buying out the contract, and Jones isn't taking significant minutes (18
minutes per game) from the younger players or (likely) causing conflict in the locker room.
In fact, Eddie Jones can probably more help mentoring the younger Grizzlies that he can giving up his minutes.
Buying out Jones' contract does have one benefit: it gives a classy player who has had a great career the chance to contribute to a championship contender.
2 comments:
Can we really take Jerry West at his word that we aren't looking for any major aquisitions? Is this just the Logo blowing smoke to make a blockbuster trade? Probably not, but maybe worth a mention. Also I thought you said C-webb was going to the lakers?
West could be blowing smoke, but it doesn't make much sense to make a deal that doesn't free up cap space before the summer. Most deals for a star would have the opposite effect.
A deal for a young talent or a role player could make sense, but the Grizz are already overloaded with young talents and quality role players. Unless a deal that's too good to pass up comes along, I wouldn't expect one.
Anything's possible. If there is a deal, I'd expect Stoudemire to be traded for a younger point guard.
Sorry I missed the call on Webber. Obviously, my sources aren't well-placed.
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