The Memphis Grizzlies acquired Marc Gasol from the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, in a trade that brings one of the most beloved players in franchise history back to the confines of FedEx Forum—or will it?
The Los Angeles Lakers are sending Gasol and a 2024 second-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Wang Zhelin, a 27-year-old draft-and-stash prospect from China. The Lakers will save the Lakers more than $10 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Grizzlies added to their treasure trove of draft picks they’ve been meticulously accumulating over the past couple of seasons.
However, don’t get too excited to see Gasol don the Beale Street Blue uniform again. According to multiple reports, the Memphis Grizzlies plan to release Gasol and once again grant him the freedom to compete for a championship with another franchise or remain in his home country of Spain.
If Gasol chooses to give it one more try at an NBA championship, he should find interest from several contenders. One such team would be the Phoenix Suns, who could use another big man after losing Dario Saric for (possibly) the entire season due to injury). Another could be the Golden State Warriors or Brooklyn Nets— both looking to acquire more depth in their quests for an NBA championship.
The Lakers have agreed to trade Marc Gasol, a 2024 second-round pick and cash to the Grizzlies for the draft rights to Wang Zhelin, sources tell ESPN. Deal saves Lakers $10M. Gasol and Grizzlies will work together on waiver and release to allow him to remain in Spain w/ family.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 10, 2021
The Memphis Grizzlies provide a potential storybook ending to the NBA career of Marc Gasol
Gasol will possibly end his NBA career the exact way it began: coming to Memphis via a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.
No one really knew back in 2008 (when the Grizzlies acquired Gasol) just how much of an impact he would have in Memphis; but, after a long and fruitful career, it’s clear that he is one of the best players to ever suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Fans may never see Marc Gasol play in Memphis again, but we’ll always have those memories of him leading the team to the first Western Conference Finals in franchise history, his passionate play, and his love for the Memphis community.
As much as fans want the Memphis Grizzlies to find a way to keep Gasol on the roster, they would be doing the right thing by releasing him and letting him pursue new endeavors.