Arenas on verge of joining Grizzlies

Free-agent guard Gilbert Arenas will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies so long as he passes his physical, he told SI.com. "Doing testing still," the three-time

Free-agent guard Gilbert Arenas will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies so long as he passes his physical, he told SI.com.

"Doing testing still," the three-time All-Star wrote in a text message. "If I pass my test, I'll be on the team."

The 30-year-old was amnestied by the Magic on Dec. 9 and has been unemployed ever since. But he worked out for the Grizzlies on Monday and is on the verge of a comeback that, if successful, few will have seen coming.

Arenas had plasma therapy -- the same procedure Kobe Bryant underwent -- done on his knees and hips in early January and is hopeful that it will help him regain the explosiveness he lost after three knee surgeries.

Arenas was paid the remaining $62 million on his Magic deal despite being cut, but he will earn just $300,000 through the end of the season with Memphis, a source close to the situation said. As he talked to Memphis officials in recent weeks, Arenas' main concern was whether he would fit with a Grizzlies team that is known for its chemistry.

Memphis (25-18) is currently in fifth place in the Western Conference, but only four games behind the second-place Spurs. The Grizzlies' roster has already received a recent boost with the return of forward Zach Randolph, who was out since Jan. 1 with a knee injury.

Arenas, who's averaged 21.2 points on 42.1 percent shooting and 5.4 assists over his 10-year career, is coming off his worst season as a pro. He averaged just eight points in 21.8 minutes in a reserve role with the Magic last season.

But he is now 20-plus pounds lighter than he was then, though that wasn't enough to inspire the Lakers to add him to their roster. Arenas worked out for L.A. earlier this season and sources said they seriously considered signing him before ultimately passing on the opportunity.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal first reported that the Grizzlies were preparing to offer Arenas a contract.