Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera has abruptly ousted team CEO Jason Levien and assistant general manager Stu Lash.
The team announced the stunning moves Monday afternoon, saying "the decision was made for Jason Levien and Stu Lash to depart the organization" after discussions with management.
Sources close to the situation say a breakdown in the relationship between Pera and Levien -- who helped broker Pera's purchase of the franchise from Michael Heisley in June 2012 -- led to a major shakeup in Memphis for the second successive spring.
Existing Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace will assume interim responsibility for the franchise’s basketball operations and Chief Operating Officer Jason Wexler will remain responsible for the franchise’s business operations.