MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Are the Memphis Grizzlies planning to unload another star? After the trade of Rudy Gay to Toronto ignited a firestorm with Memphis fans, rumors are flying that the Grizzlies are also looking to trade Zach Randolph.
While opinion on Rudy may have been split, that’s not the case concerning Z-Bo; seemingly everybody wants him to stay in Memphis.
When the Grizzlies made their great playoff run two years ago, they handed out towels to fans with the words printed on them “Believe Memphis.” But, with the way players have been moving in and out of Grizzlies uniforms, belief was getting harder to come by.
“My motto is this,” Lionel Hollins told abc24.com, “I’m not going to let something that I have no control over keep me from doing my best.”
The latest thing Hollins may not be able to control are rumors of a Zach Randolph trade.
After the Rudy Gay deal, David Aldridge wrote on NBA.com: “The Grizzlies seem to be shopping Randolph, too.”
“There’s been a lot of talk about me, you know,” Randolph said.
But, talk of losing Z-Bo is not going over well with fans.
“I don’t think I’d like them as much,” Grizzlies fan Kevin Espy told abc24.com, “I think the whole team is based around Z-Bo.”
“I think that if you take him away,” said fan Chris Eddings, “the team is going to fall apart.”
Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, was trying to remain positive.
“We do understand it’s a business,” Conley told abc24.com, “and they are trying to do what’s best for the organization.”
Z-Bo of course, has always tried to do what’s best for Memphis by getting involved in the community.
Among other things, he handed out food baskets at Thanksgiving and heavy coats during the winter.
“That’s what it’s all about,” said Z-Bo, “just giving back.”
“He’s not really that athletic,” said Espy, “he just seems to find a way through his willpower and his heart.”
While most fans said they would continue to support the Grizzlies, even if Z-Bo is traded, their attitude was clear.
“It’s a bad idea.” said Eddings.
“They’re just slowly eating away at our players,” said Johnson, “next thing you know, they’re going to try to trade Tony Allen just to save money.”
To the Grizzlies front office, who may be considering a Randolph trade, a final fan plea.
“I can’t see the Grizzlies without Z-Bo.” Espy told abc24.com.
