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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thabeet Out, Shane Battier In, OJ Mayo deal a NOGO


With starting forward Rudy Gay out with a shoulder injury for at least three more weeks, the Grizzlies acquired forward Shane Battier from the Houston Rockets for 2009 No. 2 pick Hasheem Thabeet at the NBA trade deadline today.

The Grizzlies also worked with Indiana on a deal that would have sent guard O.J. Mayo to the Pacers for forward/center Josh McRoberts and a Pacers' first-round draft pick. Despite reports of the deal being done, it never reached completion by the deadline. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace confirmed that Mayo was not traded in a tweet this afternoon.
In the deal with Houston, the Grizzlies traded Thabeet, a 7-3 center, and a future first-round draft pick to reacquire Battier, once one of the most popular members of the Grizzlies.
Battier was a first-round choice of the Grizzlies in 2001 and played five years here before being sent to Houston in a deal that brought the Grizzlies the draft rights to Rudy Gay.
It was long believed that Thabeet would be dealt. He is largely considered a bust as the No. 2 overall pick in 2009.
“I approved Shane because while I thought Rudy (Gay) is out he could basically help us get into the playoffs. And I am committed to getting into the playoffs,” Heisley said. “He’s the best player I could find to replace Rudy. And he’ll be a positive influence in Memphis.”


Source: www.commercialappeal.com

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