Point guard Jason Williams, who is trying to return to the NBA after a self-imposed, one-year retirement, will be in Memphis this weekend for a meeting and a workout with the Grizzlies.Williams, 33, is expected to formally clear waivers Thursday, making him an unrestricted free agent and available to any team in the league. The Clippers, who had signed him to a contract a year ago before he retired, waived their exclusive right to him last week.
The Knicks also have shown interest in Williams, according to NBA sources. Williams, who last played for the Miami Heat (2005-2008), has been working out in Orlando, where he makes his off-season home.
Williams was the starting point guard for the Heat when they won the 2006 NBA title.
Williams spent four seasons (2001-05) in Memphis, the last two when the Grizzlies reached the playoffs. His first season there may have been the best season of his 10-year NBA career when he averaged 14.8 points and 8 assists.
Williams signed his last NBA contract in August with the Clippers, only to change his mind, citing family reasons, and put himself on the league's voluntary retirement list. He forfeited his contract.
He asked for reinstatement last February, hoping to hook on with a contender, but failed to get the unanimous approval of all 30 teams that it would take to bypass the one-year requirement after retiring. Williams now will be eligible to play again on the one-year anniversary of his original retirement date, which was Sept. 26.
Williams averaged 11.4 points and 6.3 assists in his career, appearing in 53 playoff games. He came into the league with Sacramento and was named to the All-Rookie team in 1999, becoming one of the most popular players in the league because of his flashy style of play. Through the years, he toned down that style dramatically, particularly in Miami when he helped the Heat win a championship.
