What Speed for New Arena?

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports the public building authority that will oversee construction of Memphis' new arena had its first planning meeting Monday. It was immediately faced with two competing viewpoints of how to proceed. Russ Simons, general manager of Nashville's Gaylord Center said it took three years to plan and build the Gaylord. Anything less would result in mistakes which would add greater costs later.

On the other hand, Grizzlies' owner Michael Heisley argued that the arena should be ready in two years time, saying that the team needs to get into the new arena to minimize operating losses expected while the Grizzlies are using The Pyramid. While the city and county would have to pay a $3 million penalty if the arena isn't ready for the 2003-2004 season, Heisley said, "I assure you the team will end up spending three times $3 million in the form of losses if we stay in The Pyramid another year," Where have we heard Heisley complain about losing money before?

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Gasol Buy-out Negotiated?

A story from Telebasket reports that Barcelona and Memphis have agreed on a revised deal to allow Pau Gasol to join the Grizzlies this season. The latest arrangement has the Grizzlies playing an exhibition game in Barcelona against Gasol's old team, presumably with proceeds going to Barcelona.

Nothing has been reported on the story in the Memphis papers yet. Also, the agreement seems contrary to the CBA. Gasol owes Barcelona in the neighborhood of $2.5-2.8 million, and the Grizzlies are only allowed to pay up to $350,000. Any subsequent amount paid by the Grizzlies counts as a signing bonus, and would be subtracted from Gasol's contract (pro-rated over three years). There's probably lots of action going on behind the scenes between Memphis and the NBA. We'll let you know as we hear more.

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Gasol Buy-Out Near?

Pau Gasol may be near a buy-out with his Barcelona team. The information is from Telebasket, a European site. Their translation is a bit rough, so it's not always easy to determine exactly what they mean. If you can figure this out, you'll know as much as anyone else: "Pau Gasol and Barcelona is closely together to close the agreement that will allow to the one of Sant Boi to comprise of the Memphis Grizzlies if he is committed to again dress the Barcelona's t-shirt if he returns to the European basketball." The reference to 'Barcelona's t-shirt' is that part of the deal includes Gasol returning to Barcelona if he plays basketball outside the NBA. Grizwold will have more Telebasket coverage of Gasol in an upcoming Furballs article on RealGM.

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