O.J. Mayo shows up in almost as many trade rumors as Dwight Howard.
The Grizzlies shopped him around last year, when he was having a rough season, and there were so many rumors it seemed like he was destined to be gone. But things are different this year — Mayo is having his best season, he found his shooting touch (including shooting 48 percent from three) and he is giving the Grizzlies a solid 11.3 points per game and a spark off the bench.
All that means they are not trading him — even though the rumors will not stop, the most recent to the Nets — reports the Commercial Appeal (hat tip Eye on Basketball). So stop asking.Truth is, Griz management isn’t seriously thinking of dealing Mayo nor is his possible, restricted free-agent status this summer a major concern. Mayo likely will remain with the Griz this season because of his productivity and the Grizzlies’ ability to control his future with the right of first refusal on contract offers.
Although Mayo is eligible to negotiate a long-term contact extension with Memphis by Wednesday, the Griz aren’t compelled to agree to a deal or trade him at the moment.Mayo is not going to get a contract extension from Memphis, they will let the market set his price next summer (when they can match any offer). But the way he is playing so far this season that price is going up.