Pau Gasol has hired SFX Sports Group led by agent Arn Tellem -- someone who has a strong and favorable relationship with Griz president Jerry West and oversees a notable client list that includes, Kobe Bryant, Carlos Boozer, Corey Maggette, Tracy McGrady and Jermaine O'Neal.

"I hired him because I thought he was the best person to get what I'm looking for at this time in my career," Gasol said in a telephone interview from Spain. "I thought he'd do a better job at this time. It's an important time for me personally. This is an important contract."

Teams have until Oct. 29 to extend the contracts of first-round picks from Gasol's draft class of 2001. It is believed that Gasol will seek a six-year deal worth more than $70 million.

Critical to Gasol's negotiations will be how motivated the Grizzlies are on working out an extension before this season. If the Grizzlies forced Gasol to wait until next season, they could offer an extension within the framework of a new and very different collective bargaining agreement.

The league's agreement with its players' union expires following the 2004-05 campaign. Many agents and league executives believe a new labor deal would limit guaranteed contracts to four years, significantly reducing Gasol's earning potential.

Gasol is under contract for the coming season, and would become a restricted free agent next summer if he doesn't agree to an extension before November. That means a team with salary cap room would likely make Gasol an offer, giving the Griz 15 days to match.

"I want to be in Memphis," Gasol said.