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Rumor Roundup: Two Days Out
We’re a little more than two days away from the draft and rumors are percolating, most of them involving the Grizzlies and Heat in a possible deal for Michael Beasley.

Before I round up the most significant Griz-related rumors from around the web today, let me throw out a couple of tidbits of my own:

Over the past couple of days, I’ve heard from three different team-connected sources that something may be happening with Beasley. Mind you, these are all people without direct connection to any potential negotiations and no-one has quite the same tale to tell: One source says Mike Conley is included but not the #5 pick, another says Mike Miller is included but not Conley, and the third didn’t have any particulars but had the sense that something is afoot involving Beasley. I don’t put much stock into any of these tips individually, but, collectively, it’s clear that there’s a lot of scuttle about a potential Beasley deal surrounding the team.

On another note, with ESPN 730’s The Geoff and Gary Show off the air, I turned the radio on to Sports 56 this morning and heard George Lapides report that former Griz point guard Jason Williams has told local confidants he expects to return to the Grizzlies next season. I didn’t think much of this, but later in the morning I heard the exact same thing from someone unaware of the Lapides report. Apparently, Williams was in Memphis recently and did tell local friends he expects to be back.


J-Will: The Return?

Upon reflection, I don’t think this is as crazy as it appears. The people Williams appeared to have the most problems with during his last stint (aside from Geoff Calkins, anyway) were Pau Gasol and Mike Fratello, and they’re both gone. Williams apparently has a good relationship with Mike Miller (here for now) and, more importantly, Mike Heisley. If the Grizzlies did a draft-day trade that involved Conley or Kyle Lowry, then a veteran point guard would be a need next season. Williams, a free agent, is sure to be someone’s back-up next season, and probably for very cheap. Not totally crazy to think it could be in Memphis.

MEMPHIS FLYER

Only if his signing were contingent on his being happy with 82 DNPCD's, doing a couple of "Dunkeyland" commercials and an MMA cage match with Geoff.

I think this is a definite sign that either Conley or Lowry will DEFINITELY be traded tomorrow night.

boogiesdad wrote:if we trade Lowry, JWill could be a good mentor and backup PG

Alright, you owe me a new monitor. Seriously, good mentor? What would he be teaching Conley, how to survive a hang nail 101? FLASH vs substance. Creative spelling - TEIAM - see there is an I there!!!

GrizzledGrizzFan wrote:Only if his signing were contingent on his being happy with 82 DNPCD's, doing a couple of "Dunkeyland" commercials and an MMA cage match with Geoff.

82 DNPCD's...you owe my work a new monitor on that one

J-Will actually floated this one himself and I doubt Grizz brass were even thinking about him. The Grizz or on record that they want to get a long look at Critt playing the point this year which is why either Conley or Lowry are on the way out. It seems like it is Lowry as they have said they are not trading Conley to secure the #2 so he is not going anywhere since Lowry was offered in two separate deals to different teams.

J-Will would be perfect in Toronto backing up Calderon or in Chicago backing up Rose.

Jeff Calkins can breathe easy as it is highly unlikely that the person who glossed him "homeboy" will be returning to the Grizz, but stranger things have happened.

I think he will be coming back making the vet's minimum, and act as an extra coach. No matter your personal feelings toward him, he is a film junkie and is very knowledgeable about the game.

grizzleGM wrote:I think he will be coming back making the vet's minimum, and act as an extra coach. No matter your personal feelings toward him, he is a film junkie and is very knowledgeable about the game.

No doubt. However, I think that the only time in his career when he excelled was under Hubie. Van Gundy/Riley kept in reigned in somewhat, but honestly I think he'd eat Iavaroni alive. He could be an asset in the right situation (a veteran team with a strong willed/secure coach).

Meaning, i post more in these boards?! My comeback as well!

However, i really feel strongly against this one. As a player fan, i'd want him to play for an immediate contender (no offense to Memphis) and he will play better when in that position. If he does sign with the Grizzlies, it's a sign that he doesn't care (that much) any more about winning the entire thing but rather just play out and get paid for the next 2 or 3 years (veterans minimum or otherwise)...

i know he's got some gas left in that tank, i am just not sure how he helps this young team by signing here.