Report: Suitors balk after Grizzlies' demand 1st-rounder for Evans

Despite their reported interest, the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets have balked at the Memphis Grizzlies' demands of a first-round draft pick in exchange for Tyreke Evans, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarnowski.

Before injuries to the starting lineup forced Evans out of his bench role, the 2009-10 Rookie of the Year was considered a front-runner for Sixth Man of the Year honors, as his dynamic play has often lifted the undermanned Grizzlies through many a despondent stretch.

With 19.5 points per game on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 39.2 percent from the 3-point line, Evans has emerged as the Grizzlies' leading scorer, edging out three-time All-Star center Marc Gasol.

In addition to his ability to inject offense into any lineup, Evans' ridiculously low contract - $3.3 million - means that almost any team with championship aspirations could conceivably acquire the 28-year-old. The main sticking point is that Evans is a free agent this summer, so teams hoping to retain him will be expected to give him a considerable raise.