Gasol traded from Lakers to Grizzlies, will reportedly be released
The Los Angeles Lakers are trading center Marc Gasol, a second-round pick in 2024, and cash to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the draft rights to Wang Zhelin, the Lakers confirmed in a statement Friday.
The Grizzlies and Gasol will work out a release that will allow him to stay with his family in Spain, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The move marks a momentary and symbolic return to Memphis for the 36-year-old Gasol. He spent 10-and-a-half stellar seasons with the Grizzlies, registering 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. He was a three-time All-Star and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2012-13.
Memphis initially acquired Gasol's draft rights in a 2008 swap with Los Angeles as part of a package for his older brother Pau.
Marc first joined the Lakers in November on a two-year deal. Prior to his time in Hollywood, he played one-and-a-half seasons with the Toronto Raptors, helping the franchise capture its first NBA title in 2019.
Zhelin, a center out of China, was selected 57th overall by the Grizzlies in the 2016 draft but has yet to play in the NBA. The 27-year-old was the CBA's Domestic MVP for its 2018-19 campaign.