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NBA Rumors: Marc Gasol only meeting with Grizzlies

By Cody Williams

Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marc Gasol is one of the most coveted players in NBA Free Agency, but may not be widely available.

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Marc Gasol was forecasted to be, arguably, the most desired prize on the market in NBA Free Agency this summer. Every team with any bit of cap space was primed to go after one of the best all-around centers in the game. However, it’s now looking like that excitement was all for naught.

According to a report from Marc Stein of ESPN, Gasol won’t be taking any meetings around the league. The only team that the Spanish big man will break bread with is the one franchise he’s played with since coming to the NBA in the 2008-09 season: the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gasol is set to meet with the Grizzlies front office members in Spain once NBA Free Agency begins on July 1. While it likely means that Gasol and the Grizzlies will verbally agree on a contract as soon as free agency commences, Gasol’s camp will still field calls from around the league even if that doesn’t guarantee a meeting.

Recent signs have all pointed to the fact that Gasol won’t be heading out of Memphis this summer. The New York Knicks’ chances of signing Gasol dissipated long ago. Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers have abandoned their pursuit of the big man just within the past week. According to Stein’s report, the Milwaukee Bucks have also done the same.

Gasol had arguably the best season of his career last year, posting 17.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. He has consistently proven to be a force and anchor on the defensive end, but has also earned respect on the offensive end of the floor for his ability to score and facilitate the offense out of the high post.

The only question regarding Gasol as a free agent this summer is really how much longer he’ll be able to do this. At 30 years old, he is approaching the downside of his career. How quickly age will take its toll and how drastically his game will suffer are speculative, but they’re still considerations for the Grizzlies (as well as any other team) to take into account. Will he get a five-year contract or a much shorter one due to his age?

Nonetheless, everything currently points to the fact that whatever contract Gasol signs will keep him in Memphis, regardless of contract length.

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