Could Kosta Koufos Remain with Memphis Grizzlies?

Apr 11, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) is fouled by Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) as he attempts to move the ball to the basket during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Although soon-to-be free-agent center Kosta Koufos is sure to draw lots of interest from NBA teams, could the Memphis Grizzlies have a real chance of retaining him?

With all of the recent talk of the Memphis Grizzlies’ impending free-agents, could the Memphis Grizzlies’ see a return from their two biggest names in question?

First off, All-Star Marc Gasol has teams all across the NBA drooling at the chance to snatch him up and sign him to a long-term contract because, at worst, he is the second-best center in the world right now. You can even make a valid argument that MG is the best center in the league. Big Spain is elite without one doubt. Thankfully for the Grizzlies, there is wide speculation that he will remain in Memphis–his home away from home.

But what about MG’s backup–Kosta Koufos? The steller defender and rebounder he is, Koufos is sure to lure a plethora of teams in his free-agency. Some teams have already made their interest known, so it could turn into a bidding war if money is what Double-K is wanting most.

However, could we see Kosta Koufos reject opponents’ contract offers and take an extended deal from the Grizz?

May 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Kosta Koufos (41) dribbles the basketball during the first quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 98-78. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Most certainly. It is unsure just how much money he will command in his free-agency. There are many factors that will be involved, especially ones that surround Marc Gasol.

How much money will the Memphis Grizzlies have in their pockets to spend in free-agency? Will Big Spain stay where he is or will he go? What will the market look like once some of the top names sign new deals here and there? These are some of the questions that will have to be answered before Kosta Koufos makes his decision in July or perhaps a little later.

Koufos made a salary of exactly $3 million in the 2014-15 season. With his defensive statistics and his tremendous rebounding ability off the bench, I can easily see teams throwing offers upward of $6 million to him this offseason. With a similar player in Timofey Mozgov of the Cleveland Cavaliers showing great value in the 2015 NBA Finals, teams will be taking an extra long look at Kosta Koufos and the dividends he could pay.

Memphis does have a true hope in retaining Koufos. Thus far in his Grizz career, it has not seemed as if he has been disgruntled. He has not had any reported complaints about the team’s management. He stays ready. He is a true professional. He grits and grinds with the best of the Grizzlies.

Koufos Koufos belongs in a Memphis Grizzlies’ uniform and the Front Office needs work their magic to retain the twin towers of “Rolla Kosta” and “Big Spain.”

Stay tuned to Beale Street Bears for the latest news, opinions, and other information regarding your Memphis Grizzlies’ offseason.

Go Grizz!

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