Marc Gasol has given his all to the Memphis Grizzlies, but the 32-year-old might have reached the moment to rethink his future in the NBA. Alongside Mike Conley, Gasol has been able to lead and turn the Grizzlies into a rugged and ever-competitive team in the Western Conference over the last few seasons. However, it seems like the best days of Gasol's Grizzlies are behind them.
Marc Gasol wants to win
Marc Gasol said the following about his future (via Ala Carta, as translated by HoopsHype): "I’m very ambitious and I’ve wanted Memphis to be a great franchise.
We’ve grown a lot the last 6-7 years, but we have to keep growing. If this is not lined up, maybe we may have to revisit things."
Gasol's words seem to be intended to light a fire under the Grizzlies' front office and spur them to do a better job of improving the team. Gasol is happy with the long way the organization has come, but he is not content with being merely with a competent team in the NBA. At this stage of his career, Gasol may feel it is about time to experience a championship run.
The Boston Celtics are one team that has been said to be interested in trading for Gasol. The Celtics certainly have the necessary assets to satisfy the Grizzlies in a deal. After adding Gordon Hayward in Free Agency, the Celtics could need one more star in order to strongly challenge the dominant Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
Grizzlies not improving
The Grizzlies have not improved this off-season, yet agin. In this off-season, veterans Zach Randolph and Vince Carter have left the team, and the most notable signings have been Tyreke Evans, Ben McLemore, and Mario Chalmers
Management has been reluctant to take that needed extra step to improve the team drastically, whether it is by trade or free agency signings.
Gasol has proved to be a loyal player, and Memphis could do right by its star if it traded him to a contender. Gasol will be exiting his prime very soon, so time is of the essence for him right now.
Gasol is a three-time All-Star, a Defensive Player of the Year, and was named once to the All-NBA First Team. Gasol is coming off his best scoring season; he averaged 19.5 points per game, in addition to 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
A player of his talent could immediately turn a good team into a championship caliber team. His ability to score and make plays from the post make him an invaluable talent in the NBA. In addition, the 7 ft 1 in center has become a solid three-point shooter. Gasol has at least two more years left in his contract with the Grizzlies.
