NBA Rumors: Marc Gasol Limiting Availability To Contender, Raptors Return Questionable

Marc Gasol knows that his NBA years are slowly winding down. Despite being 35 years old, the Spaniard remains a force to reckon with inside the paint. That said, Gasol does not see himself joining a team in the rebuilding phase, clearly hinting he wants to play for a team ready to win.

Gasol made that clear recently when he spoke to Spanish TV channel Esport3. The 6-foot-11 center is being eyed by several teams, aware that he is a good rim protector, rebounder and scorer.

“I know there’s interest from several NBA teams to get in touch after Friday. I want to help my future team to win on a consistent basis and contend for the championship. I don’t see myself playing for a rebuilding team,” Gasol said.

Gasol is an unrestricted free agent, wrapping up a five-year, $115 million deal last season. He holds low chances of getting something equal to the $25 million he received last season, especially since injuries have begun slowing him down.

Regardless, he has shown resilience in fending off his health struggles. Last season, Gasol played in 44 games, averaging 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 26.4 minutes of playing time. His numbers have dipped dramatically when compared to his Memphis Grizzlies days.

Gasol showed his best performance during the 2016-17 NBA season. At the time, he averaged 19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

There is no telling how many more years Gasol will be in the NBA. In September, the Spaniard was considering a return to Spain to finish his career, Sportando reported. That could eventually happen, assuming that no NBA team would be interested in taking him in. Given that he is a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, that is an option that may not come until several more years.

Above all, the first team that Gasol is likely to be sitting down with is the Toronto Raptors. Little is known about that for now, although that could change in the coming weeks.

If the Raptors and Gasol fail to come to an agreement, other teams are likely to swoop in. There are teams in need of a proven center, and Gasol will not run out of options. But among those suitors, teams with goals of winning the NBA title are likely the only ones the Spanish center will be talking to.