According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded veteran center Marc Gasol and a second-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for the draft rights to 7-foot center Wang Zehlin.
The Lakers have agreed to trade Marc Gasol, a 2024 second-round pick and cash to the Grizzlies for the draft rights to Wang Zhelin, sources tell ESPN. Deal saves Lakers $10M. Gasol and Grizzlies will work together on waiver and release to allow him to remain in Spain w/ family.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 10, 2021
Wojnarowski's report states that the Grizzlies plan to work with Gasol on a waiver and release to allow him to remain in Spain with his family. He added that the deal will save Los Angeles $10 million in cap space.
The trade brings Gasol's career full circle, as he was originally drafted by the Lakers with 48th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft before being traded to the Grizzlies for his brother, Pau, back in 2008.
Gasol had 11 successful seasons in Memphis, averaging 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game from 2008 to 2018. He became one of the most talented big men in the league, establishing himself as an elite rim protector, taking home Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Over that 11-year span, Gasol was named an All-Star three times, earned two All-NBA selections and one All-Defensive Team selection.
The Grizzlies traded Gasol to the Toronto Raptors at the 2019 trade deadline, where he would go on to average 9.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.9 steals per game and anchor their defence to the first championship in franchise history. He played two seasons in Toronto before he signed on with the Lakers following their championship season, where he started in 42 games before a crowded frontcourt affected his playing time.
Gasol is the Grizzlies' all-time leader in total rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocks, field goals made, free throws made, triple-doubles and minutes played. He is also second all-time in Memphis history in points, assists and games played, trailing only Mike Conley in all three categories.
Stick with NBA.com for any updates on Gasol's future following the anticipated release from Memphis.
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