Griz lose Bennett to Knicks
Posted by Ronald Tillery
Ronald Tillery

Another day, another Grizzly defection.

Shawn Bennett, director of promotions and event presentations, will leave in two weeks to work as Vice President of Event Presentations for the New York Knicks. Strength and conditioning coach Mike Curtis left last week to work for the University of Michigan.

Bennett served the Grizzlies well over the past two seasons, bringing energy and creativity to the position. He joined the Griz in 2006 after spending three seasons with the Orlando Magic.

Some people may remember Bennett, an Indiana native, for his work with the Redbirds from 2000-03.

“It’s a great opportunity to perform in the world’s most famous arena,” Bennett said, referring to Madison Square Garden. “That’s the attraction for me. It’s a great opportunity to be on that stage.”

- - - RUMOR MILL KEEPS CHURNING: Any potential Memphis deal involving New York forward Zach Randolph is now in the Knicks’ court from what I’m told. The Griz will agree to a package that includes Darko Milicic and Marko Jaric going to the Knicks for Randolph. But Griz brass apparently wants the Knicks to pick up most of the deferred payments owed Randolph in the latter year of his contract.

New York executives supposedly are deliberating. Randolph is owed $14.6 million, $16 million and $17.3 million over the next three seasons.

In short, this seems to be a 50/50 proposition – a scenario that bears watching until the start of the regular season.

                   08/09          09/10          10/11
zach randolph   $14,666,666    $16,000,000    $17,333,333

darko milicic   $7,000,000     $7,500,000
marko jaric     $6,575,000     $7,100,000     $7,625,000

Posted by Cosmic:

I don't like Jaric one bit and I'm not any kind of Darko fan but Zach HAS to go. I *think* I'd do this deal but as pointed out Walker would be better given he's essentially an expiring deal as his final year was changed to a team option when he was traded to Miami way back when.

Given that having 7.6M of Jaric instead of 17M of Zach in 2011 is quite a bit better - again - I think you consider pulling the trigger here.

This could also further push the needed departure of Marbury via buyout.