The list of potential free agents in 2015 is impressive — Kevin Love, Rajon Rondo, Al Jefferson, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tony Parker, and that’s just a few.
Add to that Marc Gasol, arguably the best center in the game — can score in the post or midrange, great passer, recent defensive player of the year. If he wants to test the waters there will be a long line of teams ready to talk to him.
Except scratch him off the list because he doesn’t want to go anywhere, he told the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
I’d suggest Memphis approach him about an extension, but it’s in his interest to become a free agent then re-sign with Memphis for five years (he could only extend three past this one). I suppose in a year things can change, but right now it doesn’t sound like the two sides are going to have any problems reaching terms on a new deal.
Gasol is 29 and in his prime, averaging 14.6 points and 7.2 rebounds a game, and doing it efficiently, but he is the perfect example of a guy where the numbers do not tell the story. He is as strong defensively in the paint as any big in the league, he just does it with smart anticipation not raw athleticism. The versatility of his offensive game gives the Grizzlies a lot of options.
That’s the kind of guy you pay to keep.
If you’re another team looking for a center in 2015, DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler will be free agents, so spend your money there.