'Tis the season for trade rumors, and the name of Wizards guard Chucky Atkins has been floated in recent days. The Memphis Grizzlies are in the market for a veteran point guard after Damon Stoudamire suffered a season-ending knee injury, and Atkins, who is in the final year of a contract that is paying him $4.5 million this season, would fit the bill.

According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Grizzlies executive Jerry West has been working the phones looking for a Stoudamire replacement, and Atkins would be a logical candidate. He expressed displeasure with his role early in the season and has seen his playing time increase since Jarvis Hayes fractured his right patella. Hayes will be out at least six weeks, leaving the Wizards with a guard rotation of Gilbert Arenas, Jared Jeffries, Antonio Daniels and Atkins. As policy, Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld does not respond to trade rumors, saying only, "I'm always looking to improve the team." Atkins offered a "no comment" yesterday. The trade deadline is Feb. 23.

Via Washington Post

Washington Wizards

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