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Free-Agency Tracker: Former Grizzlies’ New Destinations

By Christian Dudley

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Jan 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 114-85. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason and Free-Agency period have been very busy, but where will former Memphis Grizzlies be playing next season?

The NBA offseason is always special. There are tons of rumors, a plethora of moves, and for some players, new opportunities are opened.

While the Memphis Grizzlies have retained their core group of veteran starters, they have watched many familiar players change teams–even if it is for more than a first-time move.

Who has left the Grizz? Which former Grizzlies fan favorites will be switching uniforms yet again once the new season tips? Allow us to examine.

Staying Put

Perhaps the biggest news of the Memphis Grizzlies’ offseason involves none other than Big Spain–also known as All-Star Marc Gasol.

May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33, right) controls the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23, left) during the third quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Gasol signed a lucrative deal with the Grizz in order to remain the center of the franchise–literally. While he is receiving a massive payday, he is worth every penny both on and off the court. After all, Marc is Memphis.

Immediate Changes

Grizz Nation will notice a few big changes once the upcoming season begins with presesason games in the early portion of October.

Backup center Kosta Koufos has moved on to the West Coast to suit up for the Sacramento Kings in 2015-16. This will form a “twin towers” scenario in their frontcourt, whether Double-K starts or comes off the bench. While Koufos will be missed, his presence has been replaced by the Grizz via Free-Agency.

Additionally, guard Nick Calathes–while not currently playing in the NBA–has made a return to international play and therefore will not be suiting up for the Memphis Grizzlies in October.

Other Former Grizzlies on the Move

What other familiar faces of Grizz Nation have searched for a new home and landed amongst new territory? Take a look below.

Ed Davis, after spending just one full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, has quickly found a greener pasture in Portland. The Trail Blazers lost a major part of their team and frontcourt this offseason and Ed Davis will have his make-or-break opportunity as soon as training camp begins. Can Davis finally live up to the hype?

Guard Wayne Ellington did not spend much time in Memphis before he was traded in a package deal, but he lit it up from outside when he was gritting and grinding in the 901. He will continue that trend when he suits up for the Brooklyn Nets this upcoming season.

Jan 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-86. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Tayshaun Prince, after recently having a couple of up-and-down seasons (by the means of production) with the Grizzlies until being traded in 2014-15, has signed a short-term contract to suit up for the Minnesota Timberwolves next season. He will surely become a fan favorite, even if he only plays one or two seasons with the T-Wolves.

Willie Reed was a briefly a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, but he stayed ready for an opportunity. He has put in lots of hard work and effort while in the NBDL with the Iowa Energy–the Grizzlies’ farm team for player development–and will now get his biggest chance yet with the Brooklyn Nets. He may be a great steal for the Nets if given the minutes to shine.

Former Grizzlies Making Permanent Homes

A few Grizz fan favorites have left M-Town in past seasons to continue their likeness in other NBA cities. This offseason, these players have made headlines by signing lengthier deals with their most recent NBA clubs.

Frontcourt player Darrell Arthur, after spending four playing seasons (and one additional season on the sidelines due to injury) with the Memphis Grizzlies, is bolstering the bench in Denver with the Nuggets. He is attempting to form a streak of good health for the Nuggs and may soon luck into a starting role.

Dante Cunningham, another frontcourt big man, fell into a similar situation as Darrell Arthur. He was liked well enough by the franchise to receive a three-year contract offer from the Pelicans to keep him in New Orleans. It looks as if he truly has a permanent home down south.

Although some of the younger Grizz fans may not remember the days of Drew Gooden in a Grizzlies uniform, it really was reality at one point. The longtime veteran forward is staying put in Washington with the Wizards of D.C. Will this be the city and team in which he ends his career?

All in all, all of these forms of movement across the league involving players with ties to the Grizzlies will give Grizz Nation more things to anticipate as the 2015-16 regular season approaches.

Go Grizz!

Continue to check Beale Street Bears for the latest news, rumors, and other info of the remainder of the offseason regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Next: Who can the Grizzlies count on at point guard in 2015-16?

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