The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly decided to hold out on making their decision on the future of incoming third-year big man Ivan Rabb. According to Grizzlies team insider Michael Wallace, both the Memphis front office and Rabb's camp have mutually decided to delay said decision in order to focus on some other priorities the team currently have.
Hearing @memgrizz and Ivan @YoungIvee Rabb/reps mutually agreed to push back his contract guarantee date to mid-October. Grizz initially faced a decision deadline in coming days to guarantee the 1yr/$1.6 mil Rabb is due for upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/AGLSIsktcE
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) July 15, 2019
Rabb was originally selected by the Orlando Magic in the 2017 Draft, but was immediately shipped off to Memphis on draft night. As a rookie, the former University of California standout signed a three-year deal with the Grizzlies, which did not fully guarantee the final year of the contract.
Given that the upcoming season will be Year 3 of Rabb's deal, the Grizzlies can actually decide to waive the services of the Oakland, California native. However, it appears that the team do not want to rush into making a decision they might regret, especially considering how there have been some recent changes in the front office.
Move appears beneficial to Grizz and Rabb, extending evaluation window for restructured front office. Grizz traded high into 2nd rd two years ago to draft Rabb, whose development had been a priority last season. Rabb could now go into training camp/preseason before decision due. https://t.co/a2gXcxKAey
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) July 15, 2019
Wallace also adds that by extending their deadline on Rabb's contract decision, the Grizzlies will give themselves the flexibility to tweak their current roster, depending on their requirements.
Also, from an asset standpoint, Grizz can prioritize other roster decisions between now and start of training camp (trades/buyouts, etc.) and see what shakes out in terms of roster space before making ultimate call on the likeable, 6-10 Rabb. https://t.co/gtvTfiIKH4
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) July 15, 2019
Rabb has been pretty quiet in his first two seasons with the Grizzlies, averaging 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in just 14.6 minutes per contest. He has been a bit of a crowd favorite, though, so it would not be surprising if Memphis ultimately decide on retaining his services, and keep him on as a back-up big.
Follow Us
Subscribe