As Reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, The Lakers have agreed to trade Marc Gasol to the Memphis Grizzlies for a 2024 second round pick and cash in exchange for the draft rights to Wang Zhelin. This will allow the Los Angeles Lakers to save somewhere around $10 Million dollars in Salary.

The Lakers have already signed former All-Star Center Dwight Howard and have recently acquired DeAndre Jordan after his departure from the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers continue down the path of signing veteran players to minimum deals and I’m sure they will make use of the $10 Million saved dollars that this trade frees up.

The Lakers have agreed to trade Marc Gasol, a 2024 second-round pick and cash to the Grizzlies for the draft rights to Wang Zhelin, sources tell ESPN. Deal saves Lakers $10M. Gasol and Grizzlies will work together on waiver and release to allow him to remain in Spain w/ family.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 10, 2021

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed DeAndre Jordan, it was pretty clear that Gasol would be the odd man out. No way could the Lakers roll out a roster with three veteran centers whom all would want playing time. This is not including the strong possibility the Anthony Davis will be getting significant minutes at center this upcoming season.

This trade could mark the end of the storied NBA career of Marc Gasol. According to reports, Marc Gasol is expected to return to the Spanish league to play for Girona after being waived by the Grizzlies. If this is the end of Marc Gasol’s career; he will retire with a World Cup Gold Medal. Gasol’s NBA career also included a stint with the Raptors. Marc Gasol would achieve championship glory as a key role player with the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-2019 season.  Being a 2nd round pick in 2007-2008, Marc Gasol certainly has exceeded all expectations.

Marc Gasol was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 48th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. However, the Lakers traded his draft rights to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a big time-trade to get Pau Gasol (the brother of Marc). Marc Gasol made an immediate impact upon entering the league. In his rookie season, he shot a franchise record by shooting 53% from the field. Ironically, the previous record was held by Pau Gasol. He averaged 11.9 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game. He ended up making the NBA All-Rookie 2nd team.

Marc Gasol was a 3 time All-Star. He was an All-Star during the 2011-2012 season, 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 seasons. In addition, he was named to the All NBA team twice during his career.

Gasol had a stellar year defensively during the 2012-2013 season. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive team. In addition, he was named the NBA’s All-Defensive Player of the Year. Marc Gasol was a foundational player for the Memphis Grizzlies. One would not be surprised if Marc Gasol’s jersey is hung up in the rafters for the Grizzlies one day.