The (AP) reports: If the NBA decides to realign, the Memphis Grizzlies want to move to a new conference.

The Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves have asked the league to consider moving both teams to the Eastern Conference and the New Orleans Hornets to the Western Conference. The league is considering realignment for the 2003-04 season.

Memphis officials said they made the request to the league to save on travel costs and time. Jerry West, president of basketball operations for the Grizzlies, said Memphis is closer to Eastern Conference cities than are Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves play, and New Orleans.

``The travel burden on our team would be significantly reduced by playing as a member of the Eastern Conference,'' he said.