The Memphis Grizzlies stunned the NBA by making an unexpected surge through the Western Division playoffs.
The Grizzlies had never won a playoff game before this season. And despite not having second-leading scorer Rudy Gay, Coach Lionel Hollins’ team knocked out West top seed San Antonio before falling to Oklahoma City in seven games.
The Grizzlies missed Gay’s perimeter shooting in both series, but there is speculation around the league that the Grizzlies might let him go after their success without him in the playoffs. Particularly with the emergence of Shane Battier and Tony Allen’s defensive skills, the Grizzlies might have a replacement for Gay on their roster already.
Gay, 25, has about $68 million left on his max contract over the next four years. Memphis awarded Zach Randolph a monster new $71 million contract at the start of the series with the Spurs. Rapidly improving center Marc Gasol’s expiring contract is next and there is thought that Memphis owner Michael Heisley might not be willing to sign all three players.
The Akron Beacon Journal reports that Gay .
Since the new NBA season won’t officially begin until July 1, Gay’s 2010-11 salary would apply until then. His $13.6 million salary would fit under the Cavaliers’ trade exception, but he likely would command much more than just that trade exception.
While Gay’s future destination will command much attention with Memphis fans after their suprising run, Battier had an interesting tweet after the end of the Oklahoma City game that thanked fans for their support.