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The Specifics on Marc Gasol’s Max Contract with Memphis

By Christian Dudley

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Nov 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The specifics of terms and means of Marc Gasol’s maximum contract with the Memphis Grizzlies have been made publicly known.

As you already know, the Memphis Grizzlies have just signed Marc Gasol to a five-year maximum contract, which will keep him in M-Town for the prime years of his basketball career.

But exactly how much compensation will Big Spain receive?

After the NBA recently announced where the salary cap will be set for next season, Eric Pincus of BasketballInsiders released this bit of information regarding the terms and means of the max contract.

The first year of Gasol’s new contract will pay him $19.7 million and each of the five years will gradually increase in payout through the fifth year–topping out at $25.6 million in that fifth and final season. Of course, as mentioned, the fifth season give Marc a player option–meaning he can either opt into the deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, or he could opt out of the contract to become a free-agent once again (following the completion of the fourth year).

The third year of this max contract for Memphis’ franchise center will pay around $22.5 million. This means the second year will be valued at just over $21 million, leaving the fourth year to compensate the All-Star an amount of $24 million to $24.2 million to be exact. This comes to a grand total of $113 million over the five years/seasons.

Nov 23, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts after scoring against the Los Angeles Clippers during the game at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107 – 91. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

The agreement between the Grizz and Gasol surely includes some large incentives–such as All-Star appearances, statistical plateaus, playoff series victories, etc. Nowadays, anything is possible for Marc–he has done almost all of it in his first six seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. With as much as Marc Gasol does for the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis, he is truly worth every penny. Marc IS Memphis.

For those wondering, most recently on the contract that Big Spain was playing prior to this summer, he received a four-year $58 million deal. However, the max contract–effective beginning in the 2015-16 season–will literally double that payout although an extra fifth season is tacked onto it.

As an NBA player, once you hit your 30s–as Marc did in January–guaranteed contracts and money are your biggest priority along with winning a championship.

For the Memphis Grizzlies, a championship is in reach via Marc Gasol. While already a legend around town, a title could thrust the seven-footer’s name into icon status along with other Memphis showbiz greats–B.B. King and Elvis Presley to name a couple. The 901 is MG’s home away from home, just like King and Presley. The levels of greatness are similar in their crafts, too.

The clock is ticking and Grizz Nation is anxious.

Work your magic, Big Spain.

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

Go Grizz!

Next: The future of the Grizzlies rests on the shoulders of Gasol and Conley?

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