GRIZZLIES ADD ANOTHER OPTION ON OFFENSE


Bonzi on the Move

Bonzi Wells is less than two years removed from his breakout season of 2001-02, when he averaged 17 points per game. He's also two weeks removed from having the Blazers relieve him of his co-captaincy.

And now, on Dec. 3, he's on his way to Memphis in a trade that brings Wesley Person and a first-round pick to Portland.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to acquire a player of the caliber of Bonzi Wells,” Grizzlies president Jerry West said. “We are very hopeful that this opportunity provides a fresh start for Bonzi in Memphis and that he enjoys joining a rising young team in the Grizzlies.”

"In the era of the luxury tax, it is not always easy to make trades or move players with long-term contracts," Blazers general manager John Nash said.

"We are happy to be getting a quality player and individual in Wesley Person, a veteran who can help provide leadership on the court and in the locker room, as well as a draft pick which will help the organization."

FAST STARTS
In his Portland debut, Wesley Person scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter as the Blazers beat New York 88-81 on Dec. 5.
Highlights: 56k | 300k

Bonzi Wells scored 12 points in his Grizzlies debut as Memphis won its fourth in a row, 92-77 over Washington on Dec. 5.
Highlights: 56k | 300k

WHO GOT WHO?
MEMPHIS
PORTLAND
First-round pick
AVERAGES THROUGH DEC. 2
PTS
REB
AST
MIN
5.2
1.1
1.4
17.8
12.2
4.7
2.7
31.1
CAREER AVERAGES
PTS
REB
AST
MIN
11.8
3.4
1.8
29.7
13.3
4.7
2.6
26.9
FANTASY SPIN
With the way Hubie Brown platoons his players in Memphis -- only Pau Gasol and Mike Miller average more than 30 minutes -- don't expect Wells to see as much playing time as in Portland. Plus, the Grizzlies are loaded with swingmen who will cut into Wells' shots (Miller, Shane Battier, James Posey), and the fantasy value for all four is likely to decline.

In Portland, the most likely scenario would have Jeff McInnis start in the Blazer backcourt alongside Damon Stoudamire. McInnis has performed well in a reserve role and his stock rises with the departure of Wells. Person will provide valuable outside shooting off the bench and could be a double-digit scorer for Portland.