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Grizzlies Begin Campaign, Marc Gasol’s Free-Agency Looms

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

The NBA’s free-agency period begins on July 1st and the Memphis Grizzlies have already begun their persuasion toward Marc Gasol to re-sign with the Grizz.

For the NBA, free-agency is almost here. It officially begins on July 1st–nearly a short 24 hours until the frenzy for some of the league’s top players hit the open market.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, perhaps the best player on the free-agency list–Marc Gasol–will have the potential to leave the city and choose another destination to call “home.”

Thus far–ever since the end of the Grizzlies’ 2015 postseason run–all signs have been encouraging for Grizz Nation’s hopes of retaining the All-Star center Gasol. With each passing week, bits and pieces of information have been compiling to show that Marc Gasol really does prefer the city of Memphis over the biggest and brightest of stages–such as the likes of Los Angeles and New York.

The three teams that initially had the best shot at stealing “Big Spain” away from M-Town included the short list of the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs. This list has quickly dwindled to one…if that.

Dec 30, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green (14) during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat the San Antonio Spurs 95 – 87. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Gasol has quickly crossed the Lakers off his list due to the poor experiences his brother, Pau Gasol, had with the organization late in his tenure with Los Angeles. New York has taken themselves out of the running for the most part, stating that they do not believe they have a real shot at signing Big Spain.

That only leaves the Spurs in the way of the Memphis Grizzlies and a long-term contract signed by Marc Gasol.

Will the Spurs heavily pursue Big Spain? Or will they be more inclined to scramble for another big-name free-agent star, LaMarcus Aldridge?

If the Spurs go after Gasol, will he bite their line? Memphis can offer a better deal–an additional year plus extra cash on a maximum contract offer sheet–but will he see the 901 as being the place where he has the best opportunity to win his first NBA championship?

The Memphis Grizzlies have been moving as quickly as possible this offseason by making valuable roster changes. More moves will likely occur as the offseason–and free-agency–progresses throughout the coming months. Will it be enough?

All signs are pointing to yes. If the roster upgrades have not been enough, perhaps this awesome video the Grizzlies released today will push Gasol’s final decision in favor of the team located in his home away from home–MEMPHIS.

The video, if you have not yet seen it, can be found by taking the link in this tweet from the Memphis Grizzlies’ Twitter account.

It is obvious that all of Memphis appreciates the good that Marc Gasol brings to the 901. The Gasol family has become a staple to southwestern Tennessee. Will he continue to build his legacy in this region and make his way to being named the best Grizzly in franchise history? He is nearly to that peak position now.

Marc, Spanish Fever is taking over Memphis and the only cure is a signed maximum contract. You know what to do.

Continue to check with Beale Street Bears for the latest offseason news, info, and rumors regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

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