Skilled free agent center Marc Gasol is now widely expected to stay put with the Memphis Grizzlies, and NBA.com’s David Aldridge reported that an agreement will likely be reached today.
Marc Gasol, Grizzlies owner Robert Pera working out details on new contract today in Barcelona, per source.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 1, 2015
NBA All-Star center Marc Gasol, 30, didn’t plan to meet with any other team besides the Memphis Grizzlies as ESPN’s Marc Stein earlier reported, and Grizzlies officials reportedly traveled to Spain to meet with the franchise player as soon as free agency began at midnight. It remains to be seen whether he’ll end up taking a five-year maximum deal or or opt for a one-year deal to return to free agency next season, when the max-contract ceiling is projected to rise significantly.
Many center-needy teams like the Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in him, but he has rejected any of their advances. According to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, Gasol turned down the Lakers in particular because of the shaky last few seasons his brother Pau (now of the Chicago Bulls) had with the team. Hence, all signs point to the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year remaining in Memphis.
In 2014-15, Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 blocks per game, earning All-NBA First Team honors. Contracts can be officially signed on July 9, when the free-agency frenzy ends.
