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Memphis has already committed lucrative deals to Rudy Gay, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph. Locking up Gasol, entering his fourth season, is considered the final move toward solidifying the team’s nucleus.
But there doesn’t seem to be any reason to fret about Gasol’s signing.
The Grizzlies can sign Gasol to a longer contract and pay him more money than any other team. Memphis also has the right to match any offer sheet Gasol signs with another team.
People with knowledge of Heisley’s thinking are convinced that the Grizzlies will match any offer sheet Gasol signs with another suitor. Memphis would have three days to match under the proposed collective bargaining agreement.
The Griz also will look to fill assistant coaching positions vacated by the departure of Johnny Davis and Damon Stoudamire, re-sign unrestricted free agent Shane Battier and negotiate a contract with rookie Josh Selby.
— Reported by Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal
