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Memphis Grizzlies’ Calathes Preparing to Jump Overseas?

By Christian Dudley

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Mar 6, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes (12) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) defends at FedExForum. The Grizzlies won 97-90 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Nick Calathes is appearing to be planning an exit from the NBA and may be on his way back overseas.

The Memphis Grizzlies are in the beginning stages of their long offseason. Not only is the 2015 NBA Draft coming up–in which the Grizz own the 25th overall selection–but they have many players that could potentially find new homes in cities other than Memphis, Tennessee.

While he is not the largest name amongst the Memphis Grizzlies’ free-agent list, guard Nick Calathes was a key reserve for the team in the 2014-15 season. Almost immediately as the offseason began, he stated that his top priority was to remain in the NBA, even if that meant he would not be a member of the Grizzlies any longer. He has played internationally before and he would welcome a return of that option if it were to come to that.

Today, more insight into Calathes’ impending decision became known. An international basketball league reporter tweeted this bit of information:

Not only has Nick Calathes apparently set a target price for his basketball talents, but it looks as if he is already changing his stance on remaining in the NBA and, instead, looking down the international road once again.

In 2014-15, according to HoopsHype, Calathes received a salary of $816,482 from the Memphis Grizzlies. It would be fair to assume NC would be receiving a pay increase in his next NBA contract–potentially–but could he receive $3.5M or better? A team could certainly pay him bigger bucks, although it most likely would not be the Grizzlies. Honestly, I see an international team sweeping him up and signing him to at least a $3.5M deal.

Mar 16, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Nick Calathes (12) handles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Denver Nuggets 92-81.Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

A lot can change between now and the start of July. Maybe he will find that next NBA deal that he initially desired. At the very least, it looks as if Nick Calathes will be searching for too high of a number in which the Grizzlies will not wish to pay for his services. Furthermore, it is looking very likely that Calathes will be making a return to overseas action.

Do you think Nick Calathes is worth a minimum of $3.5 million in the NBA? What should he choose if he gets his pick? We want to hear your thoughts, Grizz Nation!

Continue to follow Beale Street Bears this offseason for the latest news and info regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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