Grizzlies president Jerry West spoke with a somber tone.

He's usually a deal maker by choice. But West acknowledged Saturday that Damon Stoudamire's season-ending knee injury has forced his hand.

The Griz will immediately pursue a replacement for Stoudamire through trade or free agency.

Stoudamire's season ended Friday when he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee at Portland.

"We're going to be searching around," West said via telephone. "It would have to be a more veteran guy, and someone who fits in with what we're doing here.

"We don't want to disrupt the chemistry. It'll be a busy couple of days here, that's for sure."

Names that have been tossed around in the organization include New Jersey's Jeff McInnis and Washington's Chucky Atkins. Both players are said to be available because of their expressed desire to play elsewhere.

The Griz also may consider free agent Erick Strickland or make an offer for former Griz Brevin Knight, who has performed well as a starter for the Charlotte Bobcats.