Maybe it's a good sign for the Memphis Grizzlies that Marc Gasol wants to handle his impending unrestricted free agency in the most Grizzlies way possible: Without flair and without dramatics.
The affable Spaniard spoke for nearly 20 minutes with reporters but wouldn't offer a firm stance on his upcoming decision, saying he needs more time to decompress from the season before shifting his focus to the future. When the time comes, he'll handle his free agency as most would expect him to.
"It won't be no drama," Gasol said. "Nothing crazy. It's gonna be a well-thought decision, something you feel good about."
While Gasol wasn't willing to lean one way or the other as the Grizzlies had their end-of-season media availability Monday, his teammates left little doubt that they want him back. It's those same teammates who could swing Gasol's decision, as he was accepting of the reality that if he stays in Memphis, any improvements will have to come from within the current roster.
Gasol is certain to earn a maximum contract this summer, something the Grizzlies would probably be glad to pay. The 7-footer's love for the city of Memphis is well-known - he played high school ball there when brother Pau was with the Grizzlies - and he said last offseason that he couldn't see himself playing anywhere else.
That's a stance he's loosened on since, saying in January he wasn't ready to rule any scenario out, in part because he hadn't thought about said scenarios. Nobody is quite sure where Gasol's head is at, ESPN's Marc Stein non-reported Monday, even if the lure of the San Antonio Spurs does worry Gasol's teammates some.
The former Defensive Player of the Year has spent his entire seven-year career with Memphis after being acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Pau. Over seven seasons, he's averaged 14.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, three assists, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 50.9 percent, and the Grizzlies have been 3.5 points per-100 possessions better with him on the floor in that time.
Should he hit the market, Gasol stands as a defensive upgrade at center for just about any team and brings a soft touch and deft passing in the post and at the elbows. Even at age 30, he warrants a max deal, especially in the rising cap environment.
