Marc Gasol To 'Grit 'N Grind' With Memphis Grizzlies For Next 5 Years

Marc Gasol wants to “grit 'n grind” his way to an NBA championship with the Memphis Grizzlies for the next few years. The Spanish center has agreed to a five-year, $110 million contract to remain with the Tennessee team, the only franchise for which he has played in his seven-year NBA career.

Gasol's re-signing with the Grizzlies was widely expected, although suitors such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs were interested in his services. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports was one of the first to report Gasol will return to Memphis.

It appears that Gasol’s connection to Memphis -- he played for Lausanne Collegiate School in high school basketball -- played a major role in his decision. He was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the No. 48 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft but was traded to the Grizzlies on draft day.

A two-time NBA All-Star (2012 and 2015), Gasol was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and an All-NBA First Team member in 2015. He’s part of the core of the Grizzlies squad, which is known for excellent team defense, and is considered a potent passing big man on offense.

"Grit 'N Grind" has been the battle cry of the Memphis squad in recent years, owing to its defensive style of play.

Gasol averaged 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 blocked shots in 81 games for Memphis in the 2014-15 NBA season.