Zach Randolph wants a contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Randolph, the 29-year-old power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies, is in the final year of his contract and made clear recently that he wants the Grizzlies (4-7) to offer him an extension
before he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
"I want to do it now,'' Randolph told FanHouse on Monday 15 November. "Sooner the better. If we don't do it now, there are a lot of other teams out there who like me.''
Now in his 10th year in the NBA, Randolph is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 20.8 points and 11.7 rebounds in 37.7 minutes last year. Having played less than
50 games in four of his NBA seasons, he played in all but one last year. The 6ft 9in player, who made his first All-Star team last year, has career averages of 17.3 points and 8.8 rebounds. And Randolph, who will make $17.3 million this season, says he wants
to stay in Memphis.
"I'd like to get it out of the way, but they (his agent and the Grizzlies) aren't really talking right now, at least not that I know of. And that's disappointing. I like playing for this
team. I want to stay with this team. I'm a blue-collar player in a blue collar town, and it's a good fit."
Randolph had been involved in numerous off-court issues early in his career, including possession of marijuana, possession of an unregistered firearm, and punching a team-mate in practice.
Now he finds himself on a team with young budding stars such as O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol, and Rudy g*y. He says he can be a positive influence on these young players.
"I was once young and foolish, but I've matured and grown into a better player. It's fun being around these young guys and helping them handle things. That's why I like it here with this
group.''
The Grizzlies, losers of their last three games, have gotten 16.0 points and 10.9 rebounds per game this year from Randolph.
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