Curry on Griz radar Bull is an option after Dampier By Ronald Tillery, Contact August 13, 2004 Although no deal is apparently imminent, the Grizzlies' crusade for a center comes down to three options with seven weeks left until training camp begins. The No. 1 goal still is for the Grizzlies to acquire veteran big man Erick Dampier via a sign-and-trade with Golden State. The second option is working out a deal with the Chicago Bulls to land young center Eddy Curry. But, as team sources indicated Thursday, the third option is the Grizzlies entering the 2004-05 season without making a "big" addition to the roster. An Internet report that the Griz have asked the Bulls about trading Curry (6-11, 300-plus, pounds) is true. But the Grizzlies aren't willing to ship Bonzi Wells and Stromile Swift - as proposed - to complete a deal for Curry. The question the Grizzlies keep asking is what it's going to cost them, said a Grizzly insider with knowledge of trade negotiations. According to a league source, three other teams have presented the Bulls with offers for Curry, and Bulls general manager John Paxson remains somewhat hesitant to move the underachieving Curry. There does exist a gentle divide within the Grizzlies front office. Dampier appears to be the top pick with Griz president Jerry West. Landing Curry would satisfy the coaching staff and executives in place before West arrived. Still, the differences between Dampier and Curry are centered on age and skill. Dampier, 30, is older, a better rebounder and tougher defensively. Curry, 21, is younger, more skilled on offense and beefier. Both have been considered uninspired at different times throughout their careers. Trading for Dampier would provide more immediate help; trading for Curry could mean more in the future. To no avail, the Griz have aggressively pursued trade avenues all summer to obtain a center. Dampier's options continue to dwindle, making it more likely that he may sign a six-year, reportedly $50 million deal with Atlanta. The Grizzlies remain hopeful that a sign-and-trade deal can be worked out with Golden State as long as Dampier treads in free-agent waters. Golden State has yet to indicate it is willing to help Dampier with a sign-and- trade. Curry, who averaged 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds last season, could be viewed as a long shot. The Bulls are entertaining offers. Figuring Curry's value may preclude substantial trade talks amid routine reports about his weight. Curry insists he's 307 pounds, rebutting reports that he's tipped the scales at nearly 320. The Bulls have asked Curry to report to training camp at 285. According to Grizzly insiders, removing Curry from that environment (his hometown) is a motivating factor for their pursuit and could make a big difference. Plus, Curry would become a restricted free agent next season meaning the Griz wouldn't take on a long-term financial obligation should they acquire him. They would be able to match any offer for him. --

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