Toronto Raptors: Playing buy or sell with 2019 free agents
Marc Gasol (player option)
Like Kawhi Leonard, Marc Gasol has a player option for the 2019-20 season. Unlike Leonard, Gasol has about a million reasons to exercise it and stay with the Raptors for another season.
According to Spotrac, Gasol would receive a raise of almost $1.5 million by choosing to exercise his player option. It’s possible that he’ll opt for free agency anyways; Fletcher Mackel of WDSU reports that the New Orleans Pelicans have interest in the big man.
One day to pay attention to this week.
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) June 22, 2019
Thursday, June 27th.
That’s when Marc Gasol has to opt into or out of the final year of his contract.
Most expect him to opt in, but if he becomes free agent, NBA source tells me: “Pelicans have had conversations about landing him.” pic.twitter.com/wEVNOXL3wz
If Gasol chooses to decline his player option, should the Raptors let him leave in free agency? No, as long as the money makes sense.
Gasol is no longer the superstar he was during his prime with the Memphis Grizzlies, but he still represents everything a center is supposed to be in today’s NBA. He worked hard to develop his perimeter game, a skill that will stay with him as his other abilities fade with age. Most of his numbers dropped from the regular season to the postseason, but his 3-point shooting actually improved in the year’s biggest moments.
Besides, the Raptors have no centers under contract for next season (though that could change if Dewan Hernandez makes the roster to start the season).
Verdict: Buy