GRIZ SAY GOODBYE:
Griz backup big man leaving
Backup center Kosta Koufos agrees to fouryear deal with Sacramento Kings.
Kosta Koufos, the Grizzlies’ backup center for the past two seasons, agreed Saturday night to a fouryear contract worth $33 million with the Sacramento Kings.
The seven-year veteran has a player option after the third year of the deal, a source confirmed to The Commercial Appeal. Koufos, 26, averaged 5.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 51 percent shooting in 16.6 minutes per game behind starting All-Star center Marc Gasol.
The Griz acquired Koufos from Denver for forward Darrell Arthur and a second-round draft pick in 2013. Koufos became an unrestricted free agent after last season.
Koufos will be reunited with head coach George Karl in Sacramento. Karl used Koufos as his starting center while both were in Denver. The Kings,
though, already have an All-Star center in DeMarcus Cousins.
Koufos was an effective rebounder and rim protector during his time in Memphis. He scored and ran the floor with the second unit. However, the 7-footer sought more money and playing time than the Griz could afford.
To account for Koufos’ departure, the Griz signed 27-year-old power forward Brandan Wright to a threeyear contract worth more than $17 million with their midlevel exception.
Memphis is still awaiting word on when Gasol will officially come to terms on a new deal. Despite the delay, there have been no indications that Gasol will walk away from Memphis.
The organization remains optimistic that the 7-footer will return with a five-year, maximum-salary contract likely worth more than $100 million.