Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that the Grizzlies are after Seattle restricted free agent Earl Watson. They signed Watson to a 3-year, $4 million offer sheet. Seattle has 15 days to decide whether or not to match the offer and keep Watson, but that will be difficult to do under the rules of the CBA.  

In order to match the offer, the Sonics will have to clear enough cap room to accept the $1.2 million starting salary of the offer.

The Sonics just used their mid-level exception to re-sign Jerome James and They are already in a dificult negotiation with Rashard Lewis. Promising money to Watson will not help the Lewis situation.

Also, if the much-reported trade that will send Seattles? Vin Baker to Boston for Kenny Anderson and Vitaly Potapenko goes through, Watson would be expendable with Anderson backing up the point guard position.

"We feel that Earl (Watson) is a tough, hard-nosed player who is dedicated to becoming an impact player in this league," Grizzlies president of basketball operations Jerry West said. "He had an impressive college career at UCLA and a good rookie season in Seattle, and he will add quality depth to our point guard position."

With Watson, that would give the Grizzlies four point guards: Watson, Jason Williams, Brevin Knight and Eddie Gil. This could mean Gill?s days with the Grizz are numbered while a trade involving Knight may be in the works.

"I am excited about the opportunity to possibly play for the Grizzlies for several reasons. I grew up in Kansas City which is close to Memphis, and I consider it a privilege to have a chance to play for Jerry West," Watson said.