Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol Talks About His Upcoming Free Agency

USA Today

Perhaps the biggest name on the NBA free agent market this summer will be Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies. The star center has played for the Grizzlies his entire career and lived in Memphis since he was 16, but despite his love for the franchise and the city, the veteran hasn’t ruled out heading elsewhere this summer.

Every single year the Grizzlies are a contender in the Western Conference with the team excelling on the defensive end of the floor mainly due to Gasol presence in the paint and Tony Allen’s impact on the perimeter. Although Memphis remains a force to be reckoned with in the West, many believe they simply don’t have enough to truly contend for a title.

With Gasol now 30-years-old, the two-time All-Star knows it is basically now or never in terms of contending for a title. This summer will be crucial to his future in the NBA and chances to win a title before calling it a career.

In an interview on the Catalan radio station RAC1, Gasol talked about his pending free agency and what he’s thinking while weighing the options, via Eurohoops.net:

“The reality for me at the moment is Memphis. I got there when I was 16 and I’m 30 years old. It’s important for me, personally and in sports terms. I’m in front of an important decision for the upcomming 4 or 5 years. I’ll take it quietly, without drama. There are many things to evaluate: personal goals, the ring… The city isn’t so important like it was in Pau’s case. My brother had other needs. People with sons knows how this works. I don’t have time to go to the opera, or to the theater. New York is nice but it was very cold during the All Star Game. San Antonio, L.A, Atlanta… there’s good things everywhere. I have a simple life: at home, the arena, the supermarket. Memphis is quiet. In Fort Yukon, Alaska, I would also be happy”.

As arguably one of the most desirable free agents this summer, Gasol will have no shortage of options come July 1. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks will be the prominent teams with cap space waiting to extend a max offer to the star center along with the San Antonio Spurs.

At this point in time, the consensus seems to be that Gasol will simply re-sign with the Grizzlies long-term. Although that appears to be the path he’ll likely take, it is far from a guarantee he will stay in Memphis.