Report: Knicks have given up hope of signing Marc Gasol
The New York Knicks have given up hope of signing Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol in free agency, reports Fred Kerber of the New York Post.
Gasol, a two-time All-Star, just completed the final year of a four-year deal worth nearly $58 million.
New York had been linked to Gasol at points during the season. Knicks president Phil Jackson said in a New York Times Q&A published last week that the team has "no big men," but acquiring Gasol reportedly does not appear likely.
Memphis radio host Chris Vernon reported on Monday that Grizzlies officials will be in Spain with Gasol when free agency begins on July 1, and CBS Sports' Ken Berger noted that Gasol is "widely expected" to remain in Memphis.
New York reportedly will meet with Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe next week. The team selected Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis with the No. 3 pick in the draft last week.
Last season the Knicks finished 17-65, the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
• MORE NBA: Full draft results | SI.com's draft tracker | Trade roundup
From the Post:
Then there is Gasol, the wondrous two-way Grizzlies backbone who, pretty much through rumor and hope, has been linked to the Knicks. League sources, however, maintain the Knicks long ago gave up any hope of securing his services. Maybe they actually listed to some of the stuff the 30-year-old Gasol himself said this past season about Memphis where he went to high school and has spent nearly half his life.
In addition, the Los Angeles Times reported that Gasol has no interest in signing with the Lakers.
