Memphis removes transfer restrictions on Austin Nichols

Austin Nichols is now free to transfer to a program of his choosing.

Memphis announced Tuesday that it has removed all restrictions on the forward's release.

When Nichols originally requested a release earlier in July, the Tigers denied the request.

Memphis eventually granted Nichols a conditional release, barring him from joining anyone on the Tigers' 2015-16 schedule, as well as Tennessee, Virginia, Iowa, and Providence.

Reports that his family had retained a lawyer to fight the conditions surfaced earlier Tuesday. The family reportedly suspected the school was using the fact that Virginia, Iowa, and Providence were in an early season tournament with Memphis as a reason to exclude Virginia specifically.

The Cavaliers are familiar with Nichols, having offered him a scholarship out of high school, and Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports Virginia is the favorite to land the forward.

Appearing in 27 games last season, Nichols averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and one assist before a February ankle injury cut his season short.