Memphis Grizzlies’ GM on Zach Randolph contract: ‘It’s going forward’

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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Over the last few days, there has been a lot of confidence in the Memphis Grizzlies getting a deal done with power forward Zach Randolph, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent and at this point a new deal seems like a formality.

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Randolph has been a great fit in Memphis. His offensive prowess and ability to rebound combined with center Marc Gasol’s solid all-around game and fantastic defense (he was the 2012-2013 Defensive Player of the Year) have worked extremely well together in the Grizzlies’ front court.

That’s why getting Randolph re-signed is priority number one this offseason.

Now, Grizzlies’ general manager Chris Wallace has expressed how happy he is with the direction of the contract negotiations between the Grizzlies and Randolph.

“It’s going forward,” Wallace told Ronald Tiller of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. We’re very excited about what Zach’s done in the past and hope to have him here in the future. This has really been a terrific boon for both sides. He’s obviously meant a great deal to us on and off the court. And Memphis has worked for him. This has been, by far, the best stop for him since he’s been in the NBA. So we’re working towards that goal.”

Randolph averaged 17.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the floor and 74.2% from the charity stripe.

Of course, if anything changes and the Grizzlies aren’t will to meet Randolph’s demands, they could possibly turn their attention to Marc’s brother, Los Angeles Lakers’ power forward Pau Gasol, who will also be an unrestricted free agent.