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NBA Rumors: Grizzlies, Zach Randolph contract talks stall

By Bryan Rose

Apr 29, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Memphis Grizzlies and power forward Zach Randolph have been discussing a contract extension for quite some time and it was deemed Randolph was essentially a lock to remain in Memphis. However, the two sides have yet to find a middle ground on a new deal and Yahoo Sports reports the contractual talks have stalled.

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Even more shocking is that Randolph may opt to become a free agent, something that seemed almost impossible just as short as a week ago.

"The Memphis Grizzlies and forward Zach Randolph have reached an impasse in contract extension talks and the two-time All-Star forward is thinking seriously about triggering his early termination option and becoming a free agent, league sources told Yahoo Sports."

So what’s the issue behind the inability to get the contract done? According to Yahoo, it’s both money and years as Zach Randolph has been adamant about a four-year deal while the Memphis Grizzlies have refused to budge on their offer of three seasons. As if that isn’t enough, the two sides are also having problems on the financial front of the deal as Randolph wants more money than the Grizzlies are willing to offer.

The 32-year-old Zach Randolph has until June 30th to exercise his player option which would allow him to opt-out of his $16.5 million dollar contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

It’s pretty hard to believe that Randolph would leave $16.5 million dollars on the table, especially since he’s very unlikely to secure a four-year deal on the open market. But we’ve seen players take this kind of risk before, so, Randolph becoming a free agent doesn’t sound completely outlandish.

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