All-star center Marc Gasol is back in NBA trade rumors following the recent turn of events involving the Memphis Grizzlies. It began on November 26 in a matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Ex-Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale benched Gasol in the fourth quarter of that contest. The Grizzlies ended up losing and after the game, Gasol expressed frustration. The next day, Fizdale got sacked.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Memphis Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace made it clear that they have no plans to trade Marc Gasol or Mike Conley, who are their franchise stars.
However, because of what occurred, many believe it is possible for Gasol to get dealt.
Forbes contributor Mitch Lawrence mentioned in his report a few days back, four teams that could trade for Gasol. These are the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Among them, the Raptors may have the best chance to land the 32-year-old.
According to Lawrence, sources said the Raptors are willing to part ways with their longtime starting center Jonas Valanciunas. They could ship him and some prospects to Memphis for Gasol. The Spanish big man can complete Toronto's Big Three (together with All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry) and transform the organization into a championship contender.
In the past few years, DeRozan, Lowry, and the Raptors had opportunities to score an upset versus the Cavaliers in the playoffs. There were times when they looked like the giant killers. Unfortunately, each time the Raptors meet the Cavs in a playoff series, they fail to match the firepower the reigning Eastern Conference champions have.
No blame
Setting aside the NBA trade rumors, Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol made it clear that he had nothing to do with the firing of David Fizdale. Gasol told the media about this before their defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on November 29.
According to Gasol, nobody wants to have a coaching change in the middle of the season.
Gasol then stated that he did not ask the Grizzlies to relieve Fizdale. He added that he only found out about it when the franchise already made the decision.
Losing streak continues
The firing of David Fizdale has failed to help Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies so far. On November 29, the Grizzlies played their first game without Fizdale, and they still lost. The Grizzlies fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 104-95. They are now on a nine-game losing skid.
