MEMPHIS, April 17 (UPI) -- Jerry West, director of basketball operations for the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, announced Tuesday he is leaving his position after this season.
West, whose move will be official on July 1, has been with the team since 2002. He has one year left on his current contract.
West, the NBA's 2004 Executive of the Year with Memphis, cited turmoil within the organization for his reason for departing. The Grizzlies reportedly have lost $40 million.
The Grizzlies are an NBA-worst 21-60 this season with one game remaining. Memphis fired Mike Fratello as head coach this past season after starting off 6-24.
The Grizzlies made the NBA post-season the last three years, but was swept in the first round each time.
West, 68 and a former NBA star, also was Executive of the Year in 1995 with the Los Angeles Lakers.
