Grizzlies, Rockets Discuss Battier/Thabeet Trade

According to the Commercial Appeal, Memphis and Houston had a serious chat about making a deal involving the veteran forward and the young big man: “The Grizzlies had serious discussions Wednesday with the Houston Rockets regarding a proposed deal that would swap second-year center Hasheem Thabeet for forward Shane Battier. A deal would hinge on Memphis’ willingness to also include a future first-round draft pick in its bid to reunite with Battier. The Griz failed in their initial attempt to acquire Battier earlier this year and may try to enlist a third team to avoid sending the Rockets a pick. Battier, who was Memphis’ first draft pick in 2001, played five seasons for the Griz, averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. He was traded to the Rockets in July 2006 in the deal that brought Rudy Gay to the Grizzlies. Memphis’ 2011 first-round selection — albeit lottery protected — is already owed to the Utah Jazz as compensation in a trade for Ronnie Brewer last season. Griz general manager Chris Wallace wouldn’t confirm nor deny specific trade talks. However, he said the organization doesn’t feel any pressure to make a deal.”