The Memphis Grizzlies had reportedly been uninterested in re-signing two of their core players in Tony Allen and Zach Randolph.
The two men responsible for the structure of the Grizzlies' Grit-N-Grind culture didn't even garner an offer from the franchise after several seasons with the team, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
“Randolph and Allen, who made up Memphis' “Core Four” along with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, both had expressed a strong desire to stay in Memphis. However, sources said the Grizzlies never made an offer to either player in free agency this summer. Allen signed a one-year deal with the Pelicans for the veteran's minimum of $2.3 million.”
The Grizzlies had opted to turn around and grow through their youth, as most teams have done, also letting the ageless Vince Carter walk during this frenzied offseason.
After seeing a lack of interest from the team, Randolph was quick to accept a two-year, $24 million offer from the Sacramento Kings, who looked to rebuild their image and roster, surrounding them with a veteran presence to guide the influx of young talent acquire through the draft and last season's DeMarcus Cousins' trade. Upon signing with the Kings, the Grizzlies promised to have his number hanging in the rafters one day, recently doing the same for Allen.
The 6-foot-4 defensive ace weighed his options, ultimately signing with New Orleans for this upcoming season after garnering a spot on the All-Defensive Team in six of his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.
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