Zach Randolph's final game in the 2013-14 season ended with a suspension. The power forward placed a hit on Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams in Game 6 and he did not play again. Could that have been Randolph's final moments in Memphis? The Grizzlies certainly hope not. The team is slowly starting to negotiate a new contract with their veteran, but a few other teams might have their eyes on him.
Grizzlies owner Robert Pera is making Randolph his No. 1 priority approaching the offseason. With free agency set to begin in July, getting started on a new deal for the forward now is a necessity before other teams have a chance to get ahold of him to offer something more. Randolph can opt out of the final year of his contract worth $16.5 million. He must make the decision by June 30, but according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, most assume Randolph will in order to get a long-term contract either in Memphis or elsewhere.
Wojnarowski continues to report that the two sides have started preliminary negotiations and Memphis is hopeful they can retain the forward before free agency officially starts. Randolph has talked with Pera with concerns about the directions of the team. Memphis has not exactly had stability in the front office over recent years and that is playing a big role in Randolph's decision. Many assume the forward is in for a deal in the range of four years and $48 million so if Memphis does not offer it, who will?
Bleacher Report believes the Los Angeles Lakers could be a likely destination. The team is not expected to retain Pau Gasol who is also a free agency and could make a run at Randolph. They are in need of marquee players to pair with Kobe Bryant and if the team can get a head coach in place soon, Randolph might be sold on playing with the star for his final two years. The Lakers are not setup to win now which might hurt their chances at landing Randolph or anyone else for that matter.
The Dallas Mavericks are another option for Randolph. According to the Dallas Morning News, Randolph is a player the team would consider over paying for in free agency. While they will likely make a run at a trade for Tyson Chandler or Chris Bosh, Randolph will be an excellent option. Memphis will make the hard sell, but so will other teams.
