<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Eddie Jones would like to follow the same blueprint as Chris Webber: Escape from a team that has a shot at the No. 1 overall draft pick to an organization that can contend for an NBA title. Jones, the former Temple star now playing for the Memphis Grizzlies , admitted last night that there was a chance he could be waived. The Grizzlies have the NBA's worst record at 10-30. "There's a lot of truth to it," Jones said, referring to rumors that he was heading out of Memphis. "I want to play for a team to try to win a championship... . "I can't tell you much more than there's a possibility I could get waived. We'll figure out what I do after that." But he added, "I would definitely welcome" a change.</div> Source
Well, right now Jones is just on the roster for the purpose of giving the team cap room in the offseason, but I think the smarter decision would be to try to move him in a trade. If the Grizzlies were to shop him, they could probably find a franchise player like Paul Pierce in return, because a team like the Celtics won't have that many problems attracting a franchise-type free agent, whereas the Grizzlies pretty much have no chance in hell at doing so. They're in an undesirable location to live, they're at the bottom of the NBA's attendance records, their team has a lot of chemistry-killers, etc. If they could get a Pierce, Maggette, or Bibby, and if they could also get Durant or Oden, then they'd be a legit title contender next season. Check it out: PG - Damon Stoudamire SG - Mike Miller SF - Paul Pierce PF - Pau Gasol C - Greg Oden Bench: Rudy Gay, Hakim Warrick, Kyle Lowry, Dahntay Jones, Stromile Swift A Gasol-Oden combination up front would be scary enough, but then when you factor in the offensive firepower of Mike Miller and Paul Pierce on the wing, this team would be my favorite to win it all.
There just doesn't seem to be market anymore for high expiring players and the new trend is buying them out. Examples: Tim Thomas, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber I guess teams have had enough time to learn how to manage the cap better, and the one time amnesty cuts really saved a lot of teams from paying the luxury tax. You no longer see teams having firesales so it's tough to get value back for a large expiring contract. An Eddie Jones might beable to net the Grizzlies someone like Ron Artest or Corey Maggette.
With all the Jason Kidd trade talk I really thought Memphis may throw their hat in the ring and go after Kidd using Jones' contract as bait. Another option could be a trade with Phoenix for Kurt Thomas, Marcus Banks, draft pick(s), and probably a few throw-ins to make the money work. The draft pick would probably be Atlanta's (which could be 4th or 5th at the moment). It would give Memphis 2 of the top 5 picks in the deepest draft in decades and give the Suns some tax relief next year. Neither are official rumors, I was just thinking of both trades the other day. At $64 million this year I think Memphis is safe from the luxury tax, so I find cutting him to be a bit strange unless they are attempting to save themselves some future cap money to land a big FA.
<div class="quote_poster">scorbutic Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">With all the Jason Kidd trade talk I really thought Memphis may throw their hat in the ring and go after Kidd using Jones' contract as bait. Another option could be a trade with Phoenix for Kurt Thomas, Marcus Banks, draft pick(s), and probably a few throw-ins to make the money work. The draft pick would probably be Atlanta's (which could be 4th or 5th at the moment). It would give Memphis 2 of the top 5 picks in the deepest draft in decades and give the Suns some tax relief next year. Neither are official rumors, I was just thinking of both trades the other day. At $64 million this year I think Memphis is safe from the luxury tax, so I find cutting him to be a bit strange unless they are attempting to save themselves some future cap money to land a big FA.</div> Makes a lot of sense for both teams. The Grizzlies have committed to playing an open style offense so why not bring Marcus Banks over to run the offense. He's had the benefit of practicing against Steve Nash, and fits right in to what Memphis is trying to accomplish on offense. Kurt Thomas likely opts out of his final year to sign with a contender, and James Jones would give Memphis another shooter on the wing at an affordable contract. If Phoenix includes a late 1st round pick, I don't see how Memphis can pass this deal up. They might not even require a 1st Rounder, especially if they are considering waiving Eddie Jones outright.
If he wants out, he can take a percentage of his money. I don't get these players who expect teams to let them go elsewhere AND still give them all their coin. What's in this for Memphis? We give up a player and all the money, and get nothing. He gets his money, a bit more money elsewhere, and a chance at a title. Hand back some money Eddie, then we'll talk, otherwise, be a fucking professional and shut your mouth.
What's in it for Memphis is that EJ's contract is expiring coming this July. And like you said. " a chance at a title". Yeah EJ will get a chance. It doesn't mean that he will get a title.
Well, we've waived him today and signed Will Conroy (who seems like a wonderful kid). I assume Eddie took only a percentage of what we owed him, and if so, i wish him all the best and hope he can join a contender.
