Memphis Grizzlies: Raptors Decisively Win Marc Gasol Trade

By AJ Salah | Feb 7, 2019

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 4: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket as Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on February 4, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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Memphis Grizzlies traded Marc Gasol prior to the NBA Trade Deadline /

The Toronto Perspective

The Toronto Raptors were in a very weird situation. The needed to appease Kawhi Leonard, had little time in which to do so, and an absolute spoil of riches in their war chest. Their quandary was whether to splurge on a win-now asset, or hedge by keeping their young talent if Kawhi were to leave. Their hands were forced when Milwaukee and Philadelphia made serious deadline power moves, making the East’s upper tier that much tougher to crack.

Related Story. Raptors Offered Lowry, Valanciunas to Memphis Grizzlies. light

It was clear that the Raptors needed to consolidate some of their young talent, and add a star who could raise their ceiling. Stars win games in playoff series where rotations shorten, and teams wage adjustment wars. Outside of Leonard, their next best players were Kyle Lowry (a notorious playoff ghost) and Pascal Siakam (a breakout quasi-star, unproven on a big stage).

Earlier rumors had linked Toronto to Anthony Davis offers, but that deal was unlikely to ever materialize. Thus, the Raptors had to aim a tier lower, where Marc Gasol and Mike Conley were among the prime available targets.

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