The ultimatum deadline FC Barcelona gave the Washington Wizards to trade JCN is coming up, and while I don't know how the Grizzlies will be able to give him the money he would command on the open market, a trade between Memphis and Washington is looking closer than it looked a couple weeks ago.
Quote:
Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro may get their wish to play together in the NBA after all.
Talks between the Grizzlies, the Washington Wizards, who hold the rights to Navarro, a 6-3, 27-year-old shooting guard from Spain, and Navarro's agent, Alex Saratsis, have heated up this week, with all parties hopeful an arrangement can be worked out before the Friday deadline imposed by Navarro's current team, FC Barcelona. The Spanish team has agreed to let him out of his contract for a buyout of around $2 million if a deal can be reached by the end of business Friday.
``There's been quite a few discussions between myself and (Grizzlies general manager) Chris (Wallace) and Juan Carlos and (Washington president) Ernie Grunfeld,'' Saratsis said. ``At this juncture, obviously with the deadline approaching, there's still a few options out there. I think one of the most appealing ones is Memphis because of the ability to play with Pau. Anyway you look at it, he'd basically be coming for the chance to prove that he can play in the NBA and play with his best friend.''
Several teams have expressed interest in the Navarro, with the Grizzlies and the Miami Heat being the suitors most often mentioned. During the last month, both Gasol and Navarro, who have played together for FC Barcelona and on the Spanish National Team, have expressed through the Spanish media their desire to team up in the NBA. But Wallace said reports that Gasol offered to pay Navarro's buyout are untrue.
``We've had ongoing talks with all sides involved in this,'' Wallace said Thursday morning as he boarded a plane headed for Memphis. ``In this one, I wouldn't say we've reached a deal until we've reached a deal. If that ever happens, I'd feel comfortable. It's a unique situation.''
The Wizards, who according to the Washington Post are over the salary cap with about $64.7 million committed to contracts next season, have been trying to trade Navarro's rights. There have been reports that Grunfeld has been trying to include center Etan Thomas, who is owed about $20 million over the next three seasons, in the deal.
__________________
Thrilled to reach the 3100th post! Coming with a lot more of great trade ideas (the most beloved ones in this board), you can expect that!
Thanks to all members of this site, you guys are great.
I don't think if he is worth the full MLE, but he has shown that he can be a spark of the bench. The Grizzlies should definitely look to keep him because he can bring instant offense, something you need from your bench. He should only get better in his second year, most experienced European players need a year to adjust to the NBA.
Juan Carlos Navarro
Linear Mode
