Names of potential candidates to succeed team president Jerry West as head of the Grizzlies' basketball operations are beginning to surface. However, no one is considered a top contender as of yet.

The Boston Globe reported that Celtics general manager Chris Wallace has been given permission to talk with the Grizzlies. Majority owner Michael Heisley also plans to speak with former Denver GM Kiki Vandeweghe about taking over for West, who announced he would leave his post July 1.

Phoenix Suns vice president of basketball operations David Griffin, 37, is another reported person of interest. But the Grizzlies have not asked Phoenix for permission to talk to Griffin.

West, who is in New York for the NBA's Board of Governors meeting, has said that Heisley will interview about six candidates.

"Jerry will advise us on what we're doing," Heisley said Monday during his state-of-the-franchise address. "But Jerry will not make the final decision. I will make the final decision on the new GM and the new coach."

Another name that could be mentioned during the process is former Seattle and Portland executive, Bob Whitsitt, whom league insiders say is ready to end his hiatus.