NBA Free Agents 2014: Memphis Grizzlies Won't Let Marc Gasol Sign With New York Knicks
Marc Gasol will be one of the most coveted free agents next summer, but Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace reiterated that they will do anything possible to keep their star center.
Wallace said in an interview on CLNS Boston that resigning Gasol will be their top priority next summer, saying that interested teams - like the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs - should expect that they will go all out to convince the Spaniard to stay in Memphis.
"We have every intention of re-signing Marc Gasol," Wallace said. "So those people need to find another player, another target. That's priority #1 for this franchise."
Gasol is on pace to having the best season of his seven-year NBA career as he is currently averaging 19.9 points to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Grizzlies this season.
This is the reason why Wallace is not surprised that several teams are already expressing interest in acquiring Gasol, but they are confident the 29-year-old center will decide to stay in Memphis, which has been his home since his older brother, Pau, was still playing for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies could also offer Gasol the best of both worlds - the highest salary that he could get and the chance to compete for a title over the next several seasons.
"I'm sure they all do want Marc Gasol. He's one of the elite centers in the league if not the best," Wallace said. "Memphis is the only city that Marc Gasol has known in the United States, and he would be right up there on our Mount Rushmore of most impactful players in the history of this franchise."
Knicks president Phil Jackson has made it no secret that they will look to acquire Gasol via free agency next summer. Sources said that Jackson is convinced that Gasol will be a perfect fit to the Knicks' triangle offense because he has the same skill set as his brother, Pau, who had a lot of success playing under the vaunted system.
Aside from the Knicks, Frank Isola of NY Daily News reported that the Spurs could also be in the mix. Spurs coach Greg Popovich is reportedly interested in acquiring Gasol to replace Tim Duncan in case the veteran decides to retire after the current season.
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