Jeremy Lin will have the opportunity to appeal his arbitration case to a three-person board if he loses, writes Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News. The same is true for the NBA if it doesn't win against Lin, Steve Novak, J.J. Hickson and Chauncey Billups as the players fight to retain their Bird Rights after being waived at various points just prior to and during the 2011/2012 season. Let's catch up on the latest rumors and headlines as reported by Lawrence in his latest offering…
- The sale of the Grizzlies to Robert J. Pera may be on hold as his net worth has plummeted in the last two weeks as a result of his tech company's stock collapsing. Once a billionaire, Pera is now said to be worth $200MM, which wouldn't be nearly enough to pay the $350MM asking price for the Grizzlies. Look for the sale to fall apart unless Pera is able to convince some of his wealthy friends to come on board as partners.
- Pau Gasol's future in Los Angeles remains shaky at best as the Spaniard has been blamed for the Lakers' lack of playoff success the past two seasons. The Lakers are so committed to moving Gasol that the franchise is willing to take back less talent. Lawrence says the Grizzlies may be a potential trade partner as current owner Michael Heisley would love to pair Gasol with his brother Marc.
- The Clippers' general manager vacancy could be filled shortly as Kiki Vandeweghe is currently being viewed as the front-runner for the position. Vandeweghe has previously served as the general manager for the Nets and Nuggets, where he drafted Carmelo Anthony and hired George Karl as head coach. The former NBA All-Star is currently a color analyst for Clippers television broadcasts.
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