The Los Angeles Lakers have traded their veteran center, Marc Gasol, to the Memphis Grizzlies.
OFFICIAL: The Lakers have traded Marc Gasol and a second round pick for the draft rights to Wang Zhelin.
Thank you, Marc, for making LA part of your journey. pic.twitter.com/S5EQ899CJU
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 10, 2021
Gasol spent the first 11 years of his NBA career with the Grizzlies.
He is back where he started.
However, the plan is not for him to play for the Grizzlies this season, or in the future.
Gasol intends to be bought out and head back to his home country of Spain.
Breaking: The Lakers have agreed to trade Marc Gasol to the Grizzlies for a 2024 second-round pick and cash for the draft rights to Wang Zhelin, sources tell @wojespn.
Gasol and Grizzlies will work together on waiver and release to allow him to remain in Spain with his family. pic.twitter.com/WZ5Bcj1Lz7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 10, 2021
He wants to be in his homeland and surrounded with his family.
The man deserves it.
He has been in the United States since his brother, Pau Gasol, was drafted in 2001.
Since we know of his plans for this year; do we think we will see him in the NBA ever again?
His Career
Before we decide on whether or not Gasol will make his return; let’s look back at his career.
The center was originally drafted by the Lakers back in 2007 as a late second-round pick.
He was ultimately traded for his own brother that same season.
Gasol had a great career for someone who was looked at as the out of shape little brother to a Spain legend.
However, he changed that narrative pretty quickly
He was an All-Rookie team member and took off from there.
The Grizzlies were so happy that this Gasol was theirs.
They became a contender with him playing a key role during the “Grit and Grind” era.
During his time in Memphis, he was a three-time All-Star, two time All-NBA, and won Defensive Player of the Year.
After he left, Gasol won a title with the Toronto Raptors.
Marc Gasol heads back to spain after 14 seasons in the NBA
14 PPG
7.4 RPG
3.4 APG
2012-13 DPOY
2019 Champion with the RaptorsWhat an amazing career this man has had 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PtwjyVfbhb
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) September 10, 2021
His career has been remarkable.
Gasol might not be a Hall of Famer.
However, he was one of the best centers during his time in the league.
What Is Next?
The plan for Gasol is to go back home to Spain and spend time with family.
Furthermore, he is planning on still continuing his basketball career.
He owns a basketball team in the second division in Spain.
Gasol is going to play with his team, Girona, this upcoming season.
Lakers Rumors: Marc Gasol Expected To Sign With Girona In Spain pic.twitter.com/G5muI59uUs
— Lakers News (@LakersNews10) September 13, 2021
The chances of him coming back to the NBA are very unlikely.
He seems to be happy with the decision he is making.
There were definitely still some teams in the NBA that would have loved to have Gasol on their roster.
However, hel might come back one day in a different role.
We can easily see him as an assistant coach or in charge of international scouting for a team.
The Grizzlies and Gasol have a beautiful relationship.
There is a chance in the future he comes back over in a different role for the Grizzlies.
As of right now, Gasol is heading home and not coming back.
He had a great career and will be missed in the NBA.
During his time in the league, he was great.
His career might fall under the radar as time moves on.
However, we should not forget him.
Hopefully, he has a wonderful time back in his home country of Spain.
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