Joerger New Head Coach

[PAGrizzFan]

Kevin Arnovitz ‏@kevinarnovitz 30m
About to file to ESPN. Dave Joerger to be named Memphis head coach.

[I Am Awesome-O]

Grizzlies made an excellent choice in resisting the allure of George Karl's HOF status.

Joerger's gonna be a sweet one.

[dark-child]

While not a surprise, this move was suspected by many, although now the other shoe to drop will be the trading of Zach Randolph. Highly unlikely he stays and is allowed to run right over Joerger. If I had to guess, he will be moved this week or at the latest before end of July before training camp. Ownership has implemented their vision at every opportunity so there is no need to wait he is a goner.

[GrizzledGrizzFan]

Have to agree with D-C, with the official coronation of Joerger, Z'Bo may well be on the move. That said, it likely cements TA into a new contract and an even more important role on the floor.

Mike, Marc and TA running the locker room should be a very good thing.

[eitanr]

What can this team expect to net in a Z-Bo move? Can we net Bosh, Gasol (+LAL swap option), or go backwards and maybe revamp (i.e. deal to Pistons for Stuckey's expiring and 2014 pick?).

What are general thoughts on direction and then results in a Z-Bo move?

[dark-child]

IMO they will probably look to add a few pieces rather than a like salary such as a Carlos Boozer type transaction. I do feel like we got a glimpse of the type of players they like in the Rudy Gay trade in that all of the players were exceptionally long. They were very disappointed the acquisitions were not made more use of after the deal.

Look for the Grizz to also get substantial cap relief as well to pursue a high value free agent. Therefore the team that acquires ZBO will be one that did not make the playoffs or exited extremely early and has no low post scoring and it would be a no brainer to obtain him. Philadelphia, Charlotte, Orlando and my dark horse being the Houston Rockets. While the potential ZBO & Dwight Howard combo is not an appealing proposition, Houston has too many appealing assets to at least not consider. Remember it is also thought that ZBO is declining while the young assets you receive in return are still on their rookie contracts which are liquid gold to small markets,

Therefore they will look to acquire a potential third scorer on a favorable contract that does not exceed 8 mill per year. My candidates are: Thaddeus Young - Philly, Jeff Green - Boston (no longer likely), Aaron Affalo - Orlando.

[eitanr]

IMO they will probably look to add a few pieces rather than a like salary such as a Carlos Boozer type transaction. I do feel like we got a glimpse of the type of players they like in the Rudy Gay trade in that all of the players were exceptionally long. They were very disappointed the acquisitions were not made more use of after the deal.

Look for the Grizz to also get substantial cap relief as well to pursue a high value free agent. Therefore the team that acquires ZBO will be one that did not make the playoffs or exited extremely early and has no low post scoring and it would be a no brainer to obtain him. Philadelphia, Charlotte, Orlando and my dark horse being the Houston Rockets. While the potential ZBO & Dwight Howard combo is not an appealing proposition, Houston has too many appealing assets to at least not consider. Remember it is also thought that ZBO is declining while the young assets you receive in return are still on their rookie contracts which are liquid gold to small markets,

Therefore they will look to acquire a potential third scorer on a favorable contract that does not exceed 8 mill per year. My candidates are: Thaddeus Young - Philly, Jeff Green - Boston (no longer likely), Aaron Affalo - Orlando.

Good Stuff. Any chances on a random team out there like the Bucks who may airball in free agency and have been known to be semi interested in ZBO in the past?

[dark-child]

With Milwaukee the discussion starts and ends with Illyasova who we would love but in no way should the Bucks trade him. The Grizz would be very lucky to get Illyasova and Mbah a Boute for ZBO, that would probably be the best if not one of the better offers for him.

[eitanr]

I got to figure that deal could easily be done, no? Z-Bo's value seems to be a bit higher than that...couldn't the Grizz net that Bucks' 15th pick in such a move?

It seems the Bucks want some star talent next season and are pushing to re-sign Monta Ellis. Don't get me wrong, an Ellis-Z-Bo combo has the potential to be really really problematic for the Bucks next season. Two black holes covering your ground offensively? How would that not be disastrous?

All in all, this smells like a Bucks type of move considering where their interests are.

Would be sweet to get a more sensible lineup with a Gasol/Ilyasova/LRMAM front line and maybe get that backup PG slot filled with that 15th pick. Not bad.

[darkangle901]

Randolph is tough to move because of his contract and age.

I honestly can't think of a very good fit. Indiana if they lose West maybe. The Knicks if they amnesty Stoudemire (although Zach maybe already kind of wore out his welcome there).

Maybe the Lakers if they lose Dwight might move Pau to C and want Zach. But I think they may have their sights set on making a run at Lebron next year, and Zach's contract would mess that up.

[eitanr]

Randolph is tough to move because of his contract and age.

I honestly can't think of a very good fit. Indiana if they lose West maybe. The Knicks if they amnesty Stoudemire (although Zach maybe already kind of wore out his welcome there).

Maybe the Lakers if they lose Dwight might move Pau to C and want Zach. But I think they may have their sights set on making a run at Lebron next year, and Zach's contract would mess that up.

I was thinking the Lakers as well, but if I'm them and Howard bounces I probably just semi tank and then build next yr around Kobe-lotto pick and cap space as you've outlined.

I still wouldn't count them out though. Also if Pistons lose out on Josh Smith, they could be an interesting destination.