Grizzlies Reward Lionel Hollins With 3-Year Extension

Hollins and his Grizzlies over-achieved this past season, and the front-office opened up its coffers as a show of support and approval. The Commercial Appeal has the details: “Flanked by a throng of players and with team owner Michael Heisley’s commitment to excellence assured, Lionel Hollins took over the Grizzlies’ final media day this season by announcing that he agreed to a contract extension. Hollins will have command of the Grizzlies for the next three seasons, which is the length of the deal that is believed to start at roughly $2 million. The contract was achieved nearly three months after the Griz initiated negotiations in January. Hollins said the deal was completed after a conversation with Heisley early Thursday morning. ‘After talking to Mr. Heisley, I feel comfortable about accepting this contract,’ said Hollins, who added that he wanted a clear vision of the Grizzlies’ plan to win. ‘It wasn’t all about money. This may not be the best contract I could have secured. But it’s still the most money I’ve ever made. We just go forward with the assurances that Mr. Heisley does want to win. That was a concern going forward. And I’m comfortable going forward.”‘