Marc Gasol Trade Rumors: Celtics May Be Suitor After Gordon Hayward Signing
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The
Boston Celtics may look to further upgrade their roster by trading for
Memphis Grizzlies center
Marc Gasol after free-agent forward Gordon Hayward
announced his intention to sign with the Celts on Tuesday.
Chris Mannix of The Vertical reported two league executives identified Gasol as a potential trade target, and Mannix speculated that Boston could acquire him in exchange for a "ready-made rebuilding package of players and picks."
The Celtics could use one more frontcourt asset to round out a projected lineup that features Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Al Horford and Hayward. Jae Crowder, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and 2017 first-round pick Jayson Tatum are penciled in as the key reserves.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies could be set for at least a partial rebuild. Longtime power forward Zach Randolph, who created a potent interior tandem with the Spanish center, is set to join the Sacramento Kings on a two-year, $24 million contract, per
Adrian Wojnarowskiof ESPN.
Gasol is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He averaged 19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 blocks across 74 games. He also showcased progress toward adapting to the current NBA style of play by knocking down 1.4 three-pointers per contest.
The 32-year-old veteran discussed his relationship with Randolph during an interview with
Rohan Nadkarniof
Sports Illustratedearlier in the year.
"We're always there for each other," Gasol said. "Whatever we need to talk about: family, basketball. We're always going to listen to each other and never be judgmental. Even if it's not saying anything but just being around each other. It's well beyond basketball."
Now it's possible both players could leave Memphis during the same offseason.
Adding Gasol without giving up any of their main contributors would be a major coup for the Celtics, who still own a vast array of future assets.
It would also help Boston as it tries to keep pace in the league's "superteam" era, where the number of true contenders outside of the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers is limited.
Factor in Gordan Hayward, Tatum and Brown having a year under his belt......they can afford to get rid of some of them offensively challenged guys......i'd try to keep one of Bradley or Smart, Crowder.....if I can.
