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Rumor: Memphis Grizzlies’ Gasol Ruling Out New York Knicks?

By Christian Dudley

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Jan 5, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) defends against New York Knicks center Jason Smith (14) during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

NBA All-Star center Marc Gasol will be entering free-agency this upcoming offseason and it is looking more and more likely that he will return to the Memphis Grizzlies rather than sign with, say, the New York Knicks.

Marc Gasol is a free-agent this upcoming offseason. While the Memphis Grizzlies are a top contender for this season’s NBA Championship, the thought of Big Spain leaving M-Town is in the back of the minds of everyone in Grizz Nation.

Gasol came to Memphis when his brother, Pau Gasol, first played for the Grizzlies in 2001. Marc would go on to play high school basketball in the city of Memphis. As history would play itself out, Pau was finally traded from the Grizzlies to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a package deal including the rights to younger brother Marc.

Basically, the last name “Gasol” means a lot to southwestern Tennessee.

Marc Gasol has become a two-time NBA All-Star in 2015 by being selected by NBA fans worldwide as a starter in the annual game–the first Grizzly to ever start in the All-Star Game. This supports the legitimate case for MG to be renowned as the NBA’s best center.

February 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Eastern Conference forward Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls (16, left) and Western Conference center Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies (33) battle for rebound position during the second quarter of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. The West defeated the East 163-158. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes down to it, since Big Spain is one of the top true centers in a game where there are becoming fewer and fewer centers, there will be a lot of potential suitors for Gasol once his free-agency begins.

How is Memphis favored right now?

Aside from being a contending team, the Grizzlies can offer Marc the most money–no other team can offer a better deal to him. Money talks. Plus, all Gasol knows is Memphis. It is his home away from his true home–Spain.

It is perceived that Marc Gasol would fit a triangle offensive scheme exceptionally well, being as he is such a versatile player. Mix the international atmosphere of the city and the triangle offense, which New York Knicks’ President Phil Jackson loves, along with a big-time playing stage where money is the motive, and New York seems like a place that might interest Gasol.

On Thursday, that popular belief was shot down.

John Martin of 92.9FM ESPN had this report today:

"As we enjoy what’s been the greatest Grizzlies season ever, there’s been a small, nagging, persistent reminder every now and then that the team is operating in a window. Nick Calathes is a restricted free agent, Kosta Koufos is up for a new deal, and then there’s this guy named Marc Gasol who’s in line for a huge payday.It’s sort of been accepted around here that Gasol will return to Memphis, the only American city he knows, as opposed to seeking out a larger market like, say, the New York Knicks. It seems that line of thinking is gaining steam nationally, too. Chris Sheridan, a former ESPN’er who runs SheridanHoops.com, reported today the following: “He probably isn’t going anywhere, either. And a little birdie who knows of what he speaks tells me Gasol has already ruled out playing for the New York Knicks. It’s nothing personal with Phil Jackson or that consummate New Yorker, Jim Dolan (gag). It’s a matter of money. He can get a five-year deal to stay in Memphis, where he attended high school. After taxes, that will be worth more than twice what he would get from New York.”Even if we’ve all convinced ourselves that Marc would never leave us, it’s still nice to see that national media is getting the same vibes. I imagine Marc would still entertain offers from teams, simply because he’s never been through the process and this is a super important decision. But the window lasts a little longer so long as Gasol is in the fold."

It is looking like Marc Gasol is already weighing his options and showing that his current strong team, his second home, and of course–the money, are going to make his decision easier rather than more difficult this summer.

However, Big Spain has something much more important on his mind before he thinks about his next contract.

Will the Larry O’Brien trophy make its way to Beale Street?

The world is in Marc’s hands.

Go Grizz!

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