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Toronto Raptors: 3 ways Marc Gasol will help the team

By Orestis Rantis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 30: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the first quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 30: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on in the first quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images /

NBA veteran Marc Gasol will continue his noteworthy career with the Toronto Raptors in the hopes of bringing them closer to the championship.

Just hours before the 2019 trade deadline, the Toronto Raptors pulled the trigger on a rather significant trade. One that hopefully elevates them to the next contending level.

As reported by ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Memphis Grizzlies decided to part ways with Marc Gasol after a decade of service from the Spanish All-Star center.

Even though there have been many trade rumors regarding Gasol, the trade that actually went through ultimately involved the Toronto Raptors.

As this trade leaves the Raptors rather shorthanded, they are expected to be very active in the buyout market.

Since the surprising emergence of Pascal Siakam, the center position has been covered by Serge Ibaka, ultimately forcing Jonas Valanciunas to the bench. During the first six seasons of his career, Valanciunas had only been used off the bench six times. This season was a whole other story.

It still remains unknown what Gasol’s role with the team will be, though he is expected to be used as an excellent bench piece. One thing is certain though: He is a heck of an upgrade over Valanciunas.

The Eastern Conference has been surprisingly great so far, forcing the top contenders in the East to make a series of moves in the hopes of securing the conference’s crown.

Without a doubt one of the biggest trades of the season, Gasol could be the one to fuel up a successful second half of the season, as well as a remarkable playoff run — something the Raptors haven’t had in quite some time now.

Here are three ways Marc Gasol will make his presence known in Canada and help the Toronto Raptors maintain their success.

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