The Memphis Grizzlies have explored center Greg Oden, expressing interest in the recent past with a workout in the spring and potentially bringing in the former No. 1 overall NBA pick to a free-agent camp in June, league sources told RealGM.
Oden, the first pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2007, played with the Miami Heat last season. He scored 67 points and grabbed 54 rebounds in 23 games.
The Grizzlies’ current level of interest in Oden remains unclear, but the franchise is believed to be having a free-agent mini-camp in the upcoming weeks -- like many organizations around the NBA. Oden is undecided in his possible participation there.
Oden's close friend and former teammate, Mike Conley, spoke late this season about the possibility of Oden’s comeback. Surely, Oden’s comfort level with the Grizzlies rises with Conley’s stature on the team.
In averaging 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds, Oden led Ohio State to the NCAA championship game in 2007 and had the base of a foundational player at the NBA level. Nevertheless, knee injuries provided constant setbacks.
Oden, 27, has played two NBA seasons for Portland and one for Miami.
