The reality is that Griz brass is trying to be opportunistic today in hopes of getting something for nothing at the 11th hour (Orlando has made it clear Redick can't be had for anything less than a first-round pick). As of this morning, the Griz were looking at their exceptions one of three ways: 1) acquiring a guard/swingman they like from the end of another team's bench 2) grabbing an established big man only if he's accompanied by a second-round pick 3) not using the exception at all.

Going up online as we speak: Sources tell ESPN that Michael Heisley has found buyer for Grizzlies: Communications tech magnate Robert Pera.

We just wanted to let them know we’re here.

Teams began buying out contracts of several players after the trade deadline, and the Griz have a potential free-agent in mind: power forward Leon Powe.

Cleveland reached a buyout agreement with Powe and he'll clear waivers Tuesday. There will be competition for the 6-8 reserve because his former team, Boston, and New York have expressed interest.

"I was surprised, actually, I was really surprised. When I found out they did that, I was like, 'Wow.'" [...]

"We needed a bench and we got one. As for me, honestly, I play with pressure on my back every day. I'm going to continue to do the same things. The team showed that they really wanted to keep me, so it's up to me to show them that I was worth it."

So the Grizzlies & Xavier Henry are haggling over $300,000, basically. Ron says sources expect this "negotiation" to be "long & contentious"

"It's not something where I'm trying to get (Mayo) to take over and be the starting point guard. He's the starting shooting guard. But a more versatile player helps us. This has really taken a crazy life of its own.

Because there's so much public friction with the incumbent point guard everybody wants to put O.J. at point. My thought process is how can we better our team?"

Memphis happily takes Henry at No. 12. That was like last year's Hasheem Thabeet pick, only the complete opposite.

"Barone Sr says that George can play the two... Says his success will be based on his ability to use his athleticism..."

"Barone Sr says that workout was intended to put George in different situations... Said he did great..."

"Chris Wallace says Paul George has NBA skills and physical characteristics..."

Stephen Jackson was backing me down and hitting jump shots. For the first time in my entire life I had to sit down at the end of a game because I couldn't guard my man. From that day on, I was like, 'I have to get better at ball handling and being a lead guard.' There may be a ceiling for me at shooting guard. Every night I'm battling guys 6-6, 6-7 and it's kind of tough for me.