The Knicks want him as the fulcrum of the triangle.
The Spurs want him as a replacement if Tim Duncan decides to walk away after this season.
The Lakers want him... basically, every team that has cap space next summer wants Marc Gasol.
The Grizzlies’ center will be one of the most sought after players on the free agent market next summer. He’s a former Defensive Player of the Year, he can score around the rim or from the midrange, he’s a very good passer and he plays a high IQ game. There aren’t better centers out there.
The Grizzlies know they have competition but intend to keep their man, something their GM Chris Wallace told CLNS radio.
Marc Gasol has said almost nothing. And this speculation swirling around him doesn’t seem to be bothering him or the team as the Grizzlies are off to an 11-2 start and Gasol has played like an All-Star.
Next summer he’s going to have options. But Gasol likes Memphis and the life he has here, plus the Grizzlies can offer more money than any other team (one more guaranteed year and larger raises, it will work out to close to $30 million guaranteed over the course of the deal). Plus the Grizzlies are legit, potential contenders.
Which is to say, Memphis is in the driver’s seat. But it’s going to be a wild ride this summer.