Free agent O.J. Mayo was in Phoenix on Friday, his first visit with one of multiple teams in the hunt for the Grizzlies' shooting guard.
Mayo's agent said last week that the Rockets, Bulls, Celtics and Bobcats could be in the running for the four-year veteran. The Grizzlies declined to make a qualifying offer to Mayo and retain refusal rights, shifting Mayo's status from restricted free agent to unrestricted.
The Suns signed Hornets guard Eric Gordon to an offer sheet but with New Orleans expected to match, Steve Nash gone via sign-and-trade and free agent Grant Hill unlikely to re-sign, Phoenix needs backcourt help.
He averaged 12.6 points per game last season, but shot selection has been questionable for the former Southern Cal star. He shot 40.8 percent from the field and might not commit to the level of defensive consistency and intensity Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau requires.
Chicago is reportedly finalizing details of a deal with Kirk Hinrich, who could start at point guard during Derrick Rose's absence and slide to shooting guard in a timeshare with Richard Hamilton if Rose comes back healthy.
The Celtics lost Ray Allen to the Miami Heat in free agency and have interest in other guards, including Rockets guard Courtney Lee. The Rockets aren't eager to sign any contracts until the dust settles in the team's pursuit of restricted free agents -- Bulls center Omer Asik and Knicks guard Jeremy Lin -- and on the trade front with the Magic and center Dwight Howard.
I would love to have O.J. Mayo, but I don't see where he fits in on the roster. The Bobcats would have to move one of Henderson, Gordon, Williams, or Carroll to make room for Mayo (preferably Williams or Carroll). Maybe they could work out a sign and trade situation with Memphis, regardless; I doubt it happens but it's fun to speculate.
