Memphis Grizzlies: March Twitter mailbag
Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA)
If the Grizzlies draft Ayton, they should at least explore trading Marc Gasol. Ayton’s struggles at Arizona came when he played the 4, and I don’t see that changing much in the NBA. Marc Gasol isn’t 28-year old Marc Gasol anymore. He’s slower, not as good on defense and can’t keep up with athletic big men that well. In addition, Ayton looks disengaged on defense. What a lovely combination!
If the Grizzlies draft Bagley though, they should keep Gasol. Bagley is best-suited for the 4 position where he’s not the primary rim protector. Alongside Gasol, Bagley would have a willing, capable passer at the 5 position — as well as a floor-spacer.
With all this being said, the Grizzlies shouldn’t hang up on any Gasol offers. If there are any good ones out there, they should at least listen.
Chip Crain (@Chipc3)
No.
Remember that the Clippers tried this very tactic when they drafted Blake Griffin. Griffin got injured and missed his first season with the Clippers. How much better would the Clippers have been if Randolph had remained with the team until his contract ended? Could they have gotten more than just Quinton Richardson if they had held out?
Gasol would likely draw a little more interest than Randolph did leaving LA, but his value would be severely diminished on the market if teams felt the Grizzlies were dumping him. Gasol is capable of playing alongside most of the bigs in this draft and rushing to deal him before knowing for certain what the team has in the draft pick could be a monumental mistake.
More from Grizzlies Draft
- 3 Grizzlies that could surprisingly be available in an expansion draft
- 5 players the Grizzlies never should have signed
- Cavs rookie admits he ‘definitely’ was interested in joining Grizzlies
- 6 Grizzlies that shined during 2023 NBA Summer League
- The Grizzlies’ 2023 Draft: What do they need, and who can fill those roles?
Justin Lewis (@J_TimberFake_)
As much as I love Marc Gasol and what he has done for this franchise, the idea of it has to be explored if we draft Ayton. Gasol could bring in a first round pick in this year’s draft. Marc isn’t Defensive Player of the Year Gasol anymore, and his offensive efficiency is way down this year.
If the Grizz take Ayton with a top-2 pick and can swing another lottery pick for a package centered around Gasol and get a wing player like Mikal Bridges or Kevin Knox, I say the Grizz should pull the trigger and retire the #33 the next day.
If Bagley is the pick for Memphis, it’s a no brainer to keep Gasol and move Green to the bench. Bagley is definitely a 4 in the NBA and the Grizz need this season to be a bump in the road and not the beginning of a total rebuild. Add Bagley to Conley, Gasol, Green, Selden, Brooks, Evans (fingers crossed) and effective Chandler Parsons that plays 15 minutes per game … and the Grizz are right back in the playoffs.
Nathan Chester (@BigNateChester)
It would depend on the package, but my answer is probably not.
If the Grizzlies select Ayton, there is a fair argument that Ayton and Gasol would not be a good fit with each other. However, if you trade Gasol, who is still a top 7-8 center in the league, what are you going to get for him in return? Gasol’s trade value has decreased significantly, and considering how stingy teams have been with first-round picks this year, they would be lucky to get a late first round pick for him.
If the goal is to try to make the playoffs next season, then keeping Gasol is the best option. They can worry about fit later.