Zach Randolph would like to stay with the Memphis Grizzlies for a long, long time.
Next summer, Z-Bo has a player option worth nearly $17 million he can pick up. If he decides not to, he will become an unrestricted free agent. Essentially, the choice to stay in Memphis is his, though not really.
The always-cost conscious Grizzlies flipped Rudy Gay last season for fear of paying too much luxury tax. Ed Davis, one of the cornerstones for said trade, has been argued as a potential replacement for Z-Bo, who could be shopped by the Grizz in similar fashion this season.
Asked by ESPN’s Marc Stein what he planned to do this summer, Randolph made it clear that his preference was to stay in Memphis:
I’d like to be here. I’d like to retire here. You never know. If I’ve got to make some sacrifices to be here, I would. I still can play. I can still help a team out. I want to win a championship. I’ve made all the money in the world. I just want to win. I don’t know yet [about opting in or opting out], but Memphis is my home. If they trade me tomorrow, I’m here. I just bought a new house. My daughters go to school [in Memphis]. That’s my home.
The “I just want to win” comment is especially telling. And if you’re a fan of Z-Bo who wants him to remain with the Grizzlies, it’s encouraging.
Memphis has over $43.5 million in guaranteed contracts on the ledger for 2014-15. Adding Randolph’s option to the total would put them at over $60 million spread out to eight different players. Davis’ qualifying offer of $4.3 million could bring that bottom line up, though he could still receive a larger offer from another team.
Case in point: The Grizzlies have some decisions to make. With Marc Gasol’s free-agency looming the summer after next, they’ll have to pick and choose where they spend money. If Davis can be kept at a fraction of the cost of Z-Bo, Memphis may elect to deal the latter over the summer or before this season is out.
Now, Randolph always has the option of opting out and signing at a steep discount. As he said, he just wants to win and he’s “made all the money in the world.” If he’s being genuine, then perhaps there is a middle ground that he and the organization can find.
That said, Randolph will turn 32 next July. The Grizzlies may not want to sync up with him long term, even at a discount, as he’s growing in age. Randolph plays a bruising style of basketball in the post, both in the way he scores and rebounds. Such aggression takes a toll on the body.
Finances suggest that Z-Bo and the Grizzlies will eventually reach an impasse. Either the team will trade him before the deadline, or he’ll be seeking too high an annual salary, too long a contract or both come free agency.
“I can block it out,” Randolph said when asked about dealing with questions on his future. “I’ve done been through it before.”
Hopefully he’s right, as those questions aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
