Practically all the teams with cap space (and even the Warriors who doesn't) have been linked with rumors of pursuing Kevin Durant.
Another team makes their intentions known. The Memphis Grizzlies want to usher in a new era with the biggest bang-grabbing the former MVP. Yahoo Sports main hoops scribe Adrian Wojnarowski had the scoop on the Grizzlies' battle plan.
"They are working to keep Conley in summer free agency, with Memphis planning to be one more contender with two stars that will try to persuade Kevin Durant to make it a Big Three, league sources said. Durant's the longest of long shots in summer, but the short-term trade deadline directives are unchanged: The Grizzlies are determined to use the trade deadline to better the roster for a playoff push," Wojnarowski wrote.
While Memphis does not seem like a high profile destination like New York, Los Angeles, Miami or Durant's hometown Washington, DC, NBC does not discount the possibility.
"The Grizzlies can make an interesting pitch," NBC's Kurt Helin writes. "With him, they are legit title contenders so Durant can chase his ring. Also, this is a small market - KD has had testy run-ins with the media playing in the smallest market in the NBA. The OKC media relations people do their best to shield him. Does he want the scrutiny that comes with New York or Los Angeles? Even Golden State? Memphis is a small market where he would be comfortable. Plus, awesome barbecue."
This is a total turnaround from what observers thought of the Grizzlies at the start of the season. They have been written off as a team that could trade away their core with practically no chance of keeping their own free agent, let alone sign the biggest available name on the market.
This only adds to the Royal Rumble for Durant as another team throws their hat in the ring. If the Grizz do keep Conley, then they do have a good Big Three to build around. However, the OKC Thunder still has Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. That's something to consider.
