Truth & Rumors > NBA

Navarro dumps Memphis for Spain

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06:34 AM ET 06.20 | The Grizzlies have experienced a different kind of La Bomba than they have become accustomed to. Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro's chances of returning for a second season in Memphis were blown to pieces Wednesday afternoon when he decided to re-sign with FC Barcelona. Navarro, who earned $538,000 with the Grizzlies last season, was swayed by a deal that will pay him between $20million and $24 million over the next four years.

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Juan Carlos Navarro, Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images Juan Carlos Navarro, Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images
June 20, 2008  06:42 AM ET

Cool! Euros are just as "greedy" as Americans!!!

June 20, 2008  06:50 AM ET

Good post, CT.

I don't think there was ever any doubt that they were. Euros play at being above all of the things that they criticise Americans for. Truth is, they have the same faults we do as humans. Greed being one of them.

June 20, 2008  07:09 AM ET

A little over a half-million dollars as opposed to $5-6 million a year? Uh, that's not greedy, that's common sense.

June 20, 2008  07:54 AM ET

Oh, I understand the business side of it. No problem there. It IS a smart move for him, financially speaking.

June 20, 2008  08:05 AM ET

A little over a half-million dollars as opposed to $5-6 million a year? Uh, that's not greedy, that's common sense.

arejaydub | 06/20/08, 07:09 AM
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QFT

June 20, 2008  08:17 AM ET

even if finances weren't as skewed on this deal, i mean i would take roughly the same salary to go back overseas and play rather than play on the horrid memphis team. even all the memphis bbq in the world couldn't convince me to stay.

June 20, 2008  08:41 AM ET

Wow, this could be the start of new trend with the europe's top bball talent. if a euro club can drop that much $$ on this guy. just think what they can offer someone that is a true nba star or star recruit.
but the nba shouldn't get too worried just yet, i liken it to the situation with rocket ismail taking the loot to play in CFL vs the NFL when he first came out of college or herchel walker taking the loot to play in the USFL vs the NFL. but eventually the top talent guys want to play against the best in the world which is the NBA.

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June 20, 2008  09:42 AM ET

Can't blame him for getting outta town. His best bud was traded to L.A. for a ham sandwich.

June 20, 2008  10:12 AM ET

It was a no brainer at that point...
His best bud was traded away for nothing, Iavaroni didn't give him enough playing time. He was playing as a 2 when actually he's a point guard.
He's gonna be one of the best paid player in Europe, he gets to play for his hometown and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Oh and I almost forgot, it's a great ballclub which is looking forward to bounce back and win the Euroleague.
Too bad, another European who has to leave because he didn't have the chance to play for a team that fit with his skills and type of game...

June 20, 2008  10:18 AM ET

A little over a half-million dollars as opposed to $5-6 million a year? Uh, that's not greedy, that's common sense.
arejaydub | 06/20/08, 07:09 AM
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Although it hurts to agree with a Cletic fan, after the butt kicking we just took; but, you are definitely on point.

June 20, 2008  11:20 AM ET

But if he stayed and played well, he could have gotten traded to the Lakers for a box of toothpicks and a warm cup of coffee

June 20, 2008  11:58 AM ET

If someone is willing to pay you 10 times your current salary to leave Memphis, it's a no-brainer.

June 20, 2008  01:00 PM ET

He's also going home. 10 times his current salary to go back to your old stomping ground is not greed; it's a wish come true.

June 20, 2008  01:18 PM ET

Seems to me that all Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol prove every year in the playoffs is that the Euro's are too soft to be counted on as primary players. Even the Euro legend, Toni Kucoc, was nothing more than, at best, the third option for the Bulls as a role player. They just seem to lack mental and physical toughness and an inside game. Will be interesting to see whether GM's change how they rate Gallinari based upon Gasol this year.

June 20, 2008  04:10 PM ET

money talks aye!

June 20, 2008  04:11 PM ET

A bidding war for top talent comng out of college would be interesting

June 20, 2008  05:47 PM ET

Greedy? He's SMART. Tell me you wouldn't go to another country to play for 5-6 million Euros as apposed to $500K. Or the fact that FC Barca is a much better team. Plus, the Euro is stronger which means compared to our weak dollar, it is even more lucrative!!!

June 20, 2008  06:34 PM ET

who cares about this guy?

 
June 21, 2008  01:41 AM ET

Do you blame the guy for bolting and organization not committed to winning. They are a waste of the league and should be closed for business

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