Fansided

Marc Gasol rumors: Memphis Grizzlies’ Gasol won’t sign an extension now

By Andrew Melnick

May 3, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Memphis Grizzlies’ center Marc Gasol will likely be one of the top free agents on the market next year. With Kevin Love likely re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and LaMarcus Aldridge likely staying with the Portland Trail Blazers, every team with cap space will be after Gasol.

More from Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have continued to express desire to keep Gasol. However, as Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders points out, it doesn’t make sense for Gasol to sign an extension before he hits free agency.

"The odds that Marc Gasol is not in Memphis next year are fairly small. The Grizzlies are going to pay Gasol the max level money he’ll command; unfortunately, like Love, in order for Gasol to get all that’s available he’ll have to hit free agency in July.Gasol could sign an extension, but that would leave money on the table as he is now eligible for 30 percent of the upcoming salary cap projected to be $66 million. Doing the math, that’s a starting salary next year in the $19.8 million range, wherein an extension would be based on a minor increase on his $15.82 million salary this year."

Gasol went for 14.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, 18.2% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free throw line in 59 games last season. In his career, he’s averaged 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 51.2% from the field, 15.2% from beyond the arc and 74.9% from the free throw line.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

Home/Memphis Grizzlies