The Toronto Raptors are starting to become very interested in acquiring incoming free-agent center Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies, according to Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail & TNT NBA insider David Aldridge.
The Raptors picked what they left off last season, becoming one of few elite teams in the Eastern Conference. However, Toronto's front-office, led by general manager Masai Ujiri, is growing increasingly intrigued of acquiring the 29-year old Gasol, who is averaging career-high 19.6 points along with 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for the league-leading Grizzlies (20-4).
"A player that increasingly intrigues Raptors management is Memphis centre Marc Gasol. The Spaniard is a free agent this summer. The greatest lack on the Raptors roster is a truly dominant big man. Gasol is a Jungian figure that features prominently in GM Masai Ujiri's bedside dream diary," Kelly stated.
While the Raptors have a promising young prospect in Jonas Valanciunas (11.6 points and 9.0 rebounds), sources close to situation disclosed the front-office are still not convinced that the Lithuanian big man has the chops to anchor Toronto's defense through the postseason.
"Valanciunas has been sporadically excellent this season, but the team's braintrust still doesn't believe he's the sort of centre you can ride through a playoff series. A team like Chicago would design all their tactics to go through a Valanciunas-sized hole in the Raptors mid-section," via Globe and Mail.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies are obviously not interested in parting ways with Gasol anytime soon, because the Spaniard is big piece of the Grizzlies' success so far this season. Moreover, the Grizzlies front office stressed that re-signing Gasol will be their top priority next summer.
"It's unclear whether Toronto regards him as a free agent target or a possible trade acquisition, though Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger suggested this weekend that the Grizzlies, at 20-4, have no intention to make any moves for the time being. Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace has made it clear that re-signing Gasol is the first priority for the team," according to Hoops Rumors.
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