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Tuesday afternoon, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Austin has chosen to join the Memphis Grizzlies.
Austin Rivers is expected to finalize a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies once bought out by the Phoenix Suns, per league sources on @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 18, 2018
The Phoenix Suns opted to release Austin Rivers only days after acquiring him in trade from the Washington Wizards.
After trade with Wizards, Suns agree to part ways with G Austin Rivers, per ESPN sources. Rivers – earning $12.6M in final year of deal – becomes a free agent upon clearing waivers. As a veteran, sides concluded Rivers fits better on an older team that's pursuing playoffs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 18, 2018
Initial reports seem to indicate that Rivers was released and not bought out, meaning the Suns will be on the hook for his entire salary.
The Blazers do have a very vague history with Rivers, meeting with him in the early moments of the 2016 free agency period.
Austin Rivers has meetings set with New York and Portland, per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 1, 2016
Sources: Clippers officials met with Austin Rivers Thursday in Orlando, and Rivers is expected to talk with Knicks, possibly Portland Friday
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2016
The Blazers, however, have no open roster spots so they would need to functionally pay two minimum salaries to go after the 29-year old former Clipper. That seems exceedingly unlikely.