Grizzlies center Marc Gasol: I haven't thought about free agency
Memphis Grizzlies All-Star center Marc Gasol said he hasn’t had time to think about his impending free agency or where he might play next season.
Gasol, 30, will be an unrestricted free agent this season after the completion of his current four-year deal and can return to Memphis, earning a fifth-year on his contract and about $30 million more in salary than he would if he signed with another team.
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“I don’t know what factors will play into my decision but the factors that are there today, you can’t change the past,” Gasol said to the New York Post. “You can’t change where I’ve been for the majority of my life as an adult. I came to Memphis when I was 16. My family’s been tied to the franchise since the franchise has been in Memphis.”
Gasol said earlier in the season that he won’t say “no” to anything after the the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks were brought up as possible destinations for the two-time All Star and former NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
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The Knicks are expected to have at least $25 million in cap space to spend on free agents this summer.
“I haven’t put any time in it,” Gasol said. “The truth is, I haven’t put any time or any thought in that. It can have no impact right now. It can’t help me or my team. It’s not the time.”
Gasol is averaging a career-high 17.8 points, eight rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 blocks in 70 games this season for Memphis (50-21), who have won three games in row.
The Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference standings with 11 games remaining in the regular season.
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