Marc Gasol Hints He May Pursue Trade If Grizzlies Don’t ‘Keep Growing’

USA Today

The Memphis Grizzlies used to be a heavyweight in the Western Conference. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley Jr. were a two-headed of a defensive-minded squad that would give all their opponents fits on a nightly basis.

Now, the allure and reputation of the Grizzlies as a defensive force no longer seems to be the case. Memphis is a team on the decline and may be a year away from a complete rebuild with Gasol and Conley left to wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into.

It appears Gasol isn’t taking the changes lightly as he seems to be seriously considering his future in the NBA. The Spanish import recently spoke about the situation in Memphis and admitted he may have to consider leaving the team, translation via HoopsHype.com.

“I’m very ambitious and I’ve wanted Memphis to be a great franchise. We’ve grown a lot the last 6-7 years, but we have to keep growing. If this is not lined up, maybe we may have to revisit things.”

Memphis will head into next season with seemingly no direction and avoiding the inevitable. Conley and Gasol may be rich men with financial security for the long-term, but neither play will be in contention to win a title if they stay with the Grizzlies considering the way the NBA is changing.

The Golden State Warriors are the cream of the crop in the league with every team trying to replicate their style of basketball. The Grizzlies, however, appear to be preparing for an exodus with Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen all having moved on.

One option for Gasol may be with the Boston Celtics. The storied franchise is looking to put together a legitimate title contender, and Gasol could be the missing piece around Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, and Isaiah Thomas.