Memphis GM Chris Wallace is a strange cat.
Wallace wouldn’t talk specifically about trades the team was considering but cautioned that he isn’t in a fire-sale mode of operation. Teams have routinely approached the Griz with below-value offers with the notion that players can be had strictly for draft picks and expiring contracts.
While Wallace admits that he’s never fielded so many phone calls at this time of year, many of them he’s deemed unnecessary.
“Contrary to popular opinion, we’re not trying to strip the thing down to bargain-basement financially,” Wallace said. “We’re not looking to shed money. There has to be a basketball element to these deals.”
Okay, Chris, explain the “basketball element” to giving Pau Gasol to a conference foe for an unproven rookie and a late first round draft pick. Why would anyone think your team is in fire sale mode?
