2. It’s really, really hard to trade Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol has been the lifeblood of the Grizzlies ever since bursting onto the scene in 2009 to dominate the frontcourt with Zach Randolph. The team enjoyed its best run with Gasol manning the center spot, even reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2015.
Gasol just isn’t the same player anymore though. His defensive instincts are still there, but his offense has tumbled and he recently said he lost feeling in his shooting hand during a game against the Houston Rockets.
“I lost feeling in my shooting hand and I couldn’t get it back.” - @MarcGasol on the injury he sustained in the first half of the game pic.twitter.com/VPIRIQ1WSn
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 15, 2019
Teams would have been chomping at the bit 2-3 years ago to have Gasol on their team, but now? He’s an aging center with a history of foot problems that comes at a very high price.
Gasol is making $24.1 million this year and has a player option for $25.6 million next year. If he were an outright expiring contract, he would be a better trade asset. Memphis might be willing to take back some dead money and an asset to offload Gasol, as heartbreaking it would be for the fanbase.
That player option really complicates things. Before the year, some thought Gasol would opt out and pursue a long-term contract, but now? With every missed shot and mopey attitude, Gasol seems more and more likely to pick that option up for next year.
Who is going to want Big Spain? Lots of teams are going to have cap space this upcoming summer, and none wants to risk Gasol eating into that space. Plus, the Grizzlies are going to want a good package for him.
Marc Gasol currently isn’t worth Young Player X and a draft pick. It’s better to ride out the season with him than accept a minimal package in return.