The Paces and Grizzlies love to talk about swapping Memphis shooting guard O.J. Mayo and Indiana forward Josh McRoberts, even though they never do it. The Grizzlies tried to ship Mayo to Indy last season before the trade fell apart at the deadline when it wasn't submitted on time.
Rumors of a deal resurfaced this offseason, but those talks appear to be dead, too, according to the Indianapolis Star's Mike Wells.
Memphis has decided not to trade guard OJ Mayo, according to sources.
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNBA) December 13, 2011
The deal would have been a sign-and-trade because McRoberts is a free agent this offseason. As noted by Memphis Flyer's Chris Herrington, the Grizzlies' reason for the trade (instead of just signing McRoberts outright) would be to stay away from paying the luxury tax.
As Mike Prada has pointed out previously in this space, Mayo had a bit of a rough go in Memphis a year ago:
Mayo had an up-and-down year for Memphis last season, losing his starting spot, getting in trouble for gambling on the team plane and nearly getting dealt before eventually settling into a sixth-man role. McRoberts had arguably the best season of his career for the Pacers last season.
Even so, the Grizzlies appear to have decided that the shooting Mayo provides will be important to a team with a young stable of unproven guards. Kudos to him.
For more on the Pacers, visit Indy Cornrows and SB Nation Indiana.
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