Marc Gasol rumors: Gasol unlikely to sign an extension
The Memphis Grizzlies have stated time after time they would like to re-sign star center Marc Gasol. Gasol, the 2013-2014 Defensive Player of the Year, is set to enter the final year of contract and can become an unrestricted free agent once the season comes to an end.
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Chris Cherrington of The Memphis Commercial Appeal isn’t sure Gasol is a sure bet to receive a max contract but does believe the thought of a potential max deal (or at least a near max deal) will prevent the two sides from working out a deal. He will become eligible for a veteran’s extension on December 12.
Even if Gasol is dead set on re-signing with the Grizzlies (and all indications so far are that he’d prefer to remain in Memphis), clearly it would be in his best interest to wait. With power forward Kevin Love re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers almost a sure thing and LaMarcus Aldridge is a good bet to remain with the Portland Trail Blazers, Gasol could be the top player on the market so he is almost certainly in line for a max contract.
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.
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