Grizzlies' Gasol, Conley emotional while addressing trade rumors
It appears the "grit and grind" era is nearing a close, as the Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly entertaining offers for franchise cornerstones Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.
The duo has spent the past 11 seasons together in Memphis, leading the club to seven straight postseason appearances from the 2010-11 season through to 2016-17.
The possibility of donning another team's jersey had both players emotional at Wednesday's shootaround.
"My relationship with the Grizzlies might change, but my relationship with Memphis won’t," said Gasol, according to David Cobb of The Commercial Appeal. "What I feel inside and how I feel about Memphis and its people, it has nothing to do with the franchise or a temporary thing."
Conley confirmed that owner Robert Pera called him on Tuesday to notify the 31-year-old he's being shopped around. While the veteran guard realizes a potential move is "part of the business," Conley thought about never leaving the Grizzlies after signing a five-year, $152-million max contract with the club in July 2016.
"When I signed back a couple years ago, that's a thought that goes through your head that, 'man, I could play in the same place for 14 or 15 years,'" said Conley. "That'd be awesome, and hopefully retire one day as a Grizzly. You also understand that in three, four years a lot can happen and a lot can change. Memphis is all I know. This is my home. I love everybody here and my teammates and the organization. I don't know any better."
Until a trade is finalized, Gasol is focused on helping the Grizzlies win games, and he doesn't want his teammates to lose motivation.
"You go out there and do your job," said Gasol. "That's plain and simple. I don't want anyone to use this as an excuse not to do so."