MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Grizzlies have agreed to work with the Iowa Energy for the 2014-15 season as the NBA team’s sole affiliate, giving Memphis full control over the NBA Development League team.
Memphis announced the deal Tuesday, becoming the 14th NBA team with an exclusive relationship with a D-League team.
Under the deal, the Grizzlies will also pay for Iowa’s basketball operations with the Energy’s owners controlling the team’s business operations and community outreach. The Energy already has adopted the Grizzlies’ blue and gold colors.
Robert Pera, the Grizzlies’ controlling owner, called this deal an important milestone for the franchise giving the Grizzlies the chance to further develop NBA talent and staff.