NBA Rumors: Grizzlies' Demands for O.J. Mayo Essentially Take Him off Market

O.J. Mayo has been dealing with trade rumors since the second he was drafted, and it looks as if he’ll endure another full season of them.

Sports Illustrated NBA reporter Chris Mannix is reporting that the Memphis Grizzlies would need a first-round pick in order to let Mayo go.

I think this can officially end the discussions for a potential trade. Mayo is coming off the bench and playing about 24 minutes a game. He is scoring 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

Decent numbers? Yes. Numbers good enough to warrant a first-round pick? No.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported on Monday that Mayo was likely to stay put past the March 15 deadline:

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Truth is, Griz management isn't seriously thinking of dealing Mayo nor is his possible, restricted free-agent status this summer a major concern. Mayo likely will remain with the Griz this season because of his productivity and the Grizzlies' ability to control his future with the right of first refusal on contract offers.

Although Mayo is eligible to negotiate a long-term contact extension with Memphis by Wednesday, the Griz aren't compelled to agree to a deal or trade him at the moment.

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Mayo has been embracing the team concept of late, as he finally realizes a point guard is not a term to describe him. He is turning into the glue guy that every team needs.

The Grizzlies are currently one of the hottest teams in the league despite missing star forward Zach Randolph and would be crazy to ship away one of their core players. That’s why the asking price is so high.

Since getting drafted No. 3 overall in the 2008 draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves and immediately getting traded to the Grizzlies, Mayo has been dealing with trade rumors for his entire professional career.

Why is this the case?

He has just enough talent to make you believe he can be a 20-point a game scorer, yet has the actual numbers that suggest he’s nothing more than a role player.

With the way the Grizzlies are currently built, Mayo is in the right place. You can put the trade rumors to bed...at least until the summer.