Free agent All-Star center Marc Gasol is granting the Memphis Grizzlies exclusive negotiating rights before setting up additional meetings with multiple suitors.
Gasol was scheduled to host officials from the only NBA team he has played for on Wednesday in his native Spain. Gasol, 30, could sign a maximum five-year, $110 million contract or opt for a one-year deal to return to free agency next season, when the max-contract ceiling is projected to rise significantly with new Collective Bargaining Agreement terms.
Verbal agreements on contracts are permitted until July 9, when new deals can become official.
The Grizzlies are approximately $38 million under projected 2015-16 salary cap, including forward Jeff Green picking up his $9.2 million option and are eager to add perimeter shooting. Memphis had discussions with the Brooklyn Nets about Joe Johnson, according to multiple reports, but no deal was consummated.
Gasol, the younger brother of Bulls All-Star forward Pau Gasol, went to high school in he region when Pau Gasol played for Memphis. The Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks were planning to pursue Marc Gasol, who was reportedly interested in playing for Gregg Popovich in San Antonio.
But all indications are the Grizzlies will be successful in their in-person push to keep what many believe to be the NBA’s top center.