Marc Gasol, the Memphis Grizzlies, and Mary J. Blige.
None are much for drama, so Gasol's summer as an unrestricted free agent could play out as peacefully as Memphis hopes. Gasol has been clear he wants to make a swift, low-profile decision, and the Grizzlies have maintained confidence in their ability to re-sign the former Defensive Player of the Year.
The Grizzlies will be in Spain for the beginning of free agency as the clock strikes 12:01 early Wednesday morning, according to a report from Chris Vernon.
Memphis is said to be "very optimistic" that Gasol will ultimately return to the only franchise he's ever played for, and there are plenty of reasons. With Gasol likely to receive a maximum contract, Memphis can offer more money than any other team with a five-year deal worth an estimated $108.7 million.
Gasol's reportedly scheduled meetings with no other teams, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, leading to more speculation that Gasol will be returning to the Grizzlies next season and beyond.
Gasol's representatives, sources say, will undoubtedly field cursory calls from potential suitors once free agency begins after midnight ET on Tuesday.
But all indications are that Gasol and the Grizzlies will quickly reach terms on a new deal that keeps one of the league's top two-way centers with the only franchise he's ever known.
The San Antonio Spurs, believed to be a suitor earlier in the season, are focusing their attention on LaMarcus Aldridge, while Gasol is said to be uninterested in joining the Los Angeles Lakers, and the New York Knicks have long since given up on luring him to Gotham.
To ratchet up their recruiting, the Grizzlies released a short film about Gasol on Monday, highlighting his importance to the franchise and the city.
The 30-year-old averaged a career-high 17.4 points this season, along with 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks, all while shooting 49.4 percent and operating as the team's offensive fulcrum around the elbows. A gifted passer with terrific touch around the basket, Gasol also functions as the team's defensive linchpin. With the salary cap set to rise appreciably, locking Gasol into a maximum deal now will look favorable as early as 2016, even if the back end will pay him nearly $25 million at age 35.
