Grizzlies GM denies interviewing with Kings, says he's not going anywhere

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace refuted the notion that he ever intended to join the Sacramento Kings.

"I never interviewed for a job with the Kings," Wallace told ESPN Radio host Chris Vernon on Saturday. "I've been in Memphis nine years, I'm not interested in going anywhere."

Earlier in the day, shortly after Wallace announced the unexpected firing of head coach Dave Joerger, multiple sources reported that Wallace had obtained permission from the Grizzlies to interview for a vacant front-office position with the Kings, who decided to hire Detroit Pistons assistant GM Ken Catanella for the position instead.

"This has been the best run in my career," said Wallace, who has overseen six consecutive playoff seasons and four playoff series wins in Memphis. "Why would I want to leave?"

According to USA Today's Sam Amick, Wallace was being half truthful. While confirming that Wallace did, indeed, interview with the Kings, Amick reported that his message to them, at the end of their talks, was that he felt connected to the Memphis community, and preferred to stay.