NBA teams
Kevin Pelton, ESPN Senior Writer 9y

Analyzing Day 6: Max five years for Gasol worth risk for Grizzlies

NBA, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz

Another active day of NBA free agency brought a massive new contract for one of the top remaining players on the market, plus several title contenders adding important pieces to their benches. Here's a breakdown of what happened Monday and what it means.

Player movement | Free-agent tracker | Elhassan: FA Big Board Insider


Marc Gasol

Team: Memphis Grizzlies (agreed to re-sign)

Contract: Five years, approximately $110 million (exact amount will be not known until salary cap is set Thursday)

What it means: While it took longer than expected, Gasol agreed to stay in Memphis on Monday. The real story here is the length of his contract -- the maximum five years, tying Gasol to the Grizzlies through age 35. Because of his age, Gasol had less incentive to take a short-term deal and hit the market again than other superstars. It's possible he'll be slightly overpaid by the end of this contract. That's a risk Memphis is perfectly comfortable taking given Gasol's importance to the franchise.

What's next: Having already signed Brandan Wright to replace Kosta Koufos as Gasol's backup, the Grizzlies are likely done with free agency. Memphis could continue to pursue a trade to consolidate talent and upgrade on the wing.

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