Grizzlies Pull $2 Million Contract Offer for Hamed Haddidi Off the Table


Hamed Haddadi continues to catch bad breaks, as he struggles to obtain a work visa to return to the USA, where he’ll need to find another NBA job since the one he had in Memphis has vanished. Reports the Commercial Appeal: “Backup center Hamed Haddadi is still trying to obtain a work visa, and he’s also looking for an NBA contract. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace confirmed Thursday that the team withdrew its $2 million qualifying offer from Haddadi, a 7-footer who hails from Iran. The move makes Haddadi, 26, an unrestricted free agent. He can sign with any NBA team without the Griz having a right to match offers. The Grizzlies’ decision was primarily based on finances as they are trying to remain comfortably below the league’s $70 million luxury tax. It is possible that the Griz and Haddadi will negotiate a multi-year deal, paying between $1 and $1.5 million per season. While clearly a fan favorite, Haddadi has never been a rotation player in his three seasons with the Grizzlies. He appeared in 86 games during that time, averaging 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. Haddadi would remain the team’s third option at center if he returned. However, Haddadi’s biggest obstacle isn’t earning playing time. It’s making his way back to the U.S. from Iran. He is in Dubai trying to finalize the immigration process, meaning Haddadi has missed every Griz practice since training camp began Dec. 9.”