Memphis Grizzlies Welcome Justin Timberlake as Sports' Next Celebrity Owner

The Memphis Grizzlies may get a little more funky, a tad bit more sultry and altogether more Justin Timberlake-y.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported Friday via Twitter that superstar singer and actor Justin Timberlake has been afforded an invitation to own a piece of the Grizzlies' pie.

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Fun one: ESPN sources say prospective Grizz owner Robert Pera has recruited Memphis' own Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) as minority owner

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 7, 2012"

It's time to get giddy to see a great deal more of this engaging R&B singer around games. Kyle Veazey reports Timberlake would be a small part of the group headed by Robert Pera that is preparing to buy the team.

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A source close to Robert Pera confirms that Justin Timberlake has agreed to become a limited partner in Pera's deal to buy the Grizzlies.

— Kyle Veazey (@kyleveazey) September 7, 2012"

Pera is still in the vetting phase of what the Commercial Appeal reports is a $350 million purchase. It's also important to note Timberlake is reported to have a smaller portion of the purchase.

Many, including Yahoo! Sports' Kelly Dwyer, liken this to Jay-Z's stake in the Brooklyn Nets—one that may be small but allows for a very vocal outpouring from the hip-hop superstar.

This is a great move for a team dying for an infusion of vitality from ownership.

Even with a small piece, Timberlake can do big things. He is generally liked around the nation, and his popularity continues to soar.

The former 'N Sync frontman has carved quite the career on his own, becoming a wildly successful solo artist, actor and something of a hilarious cameo buff on Saturday Night Live.

The Grizzlies could certainly use a great deal more glitz and glamor, making this a brilliant idea as the franchise heads in another direction.

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