As more players are opting out of their current deals, one player has decided to opt into his deal. According to the Toronto Raptors, their center Marc Gasol has exercised his player option. He will receive $25.6 million in 2019-20.
Marc Gasol has exercised his player option and will remain with the Raptors, per the team
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) June 26, 2019
Gasol joined the Raptors after they acquired him from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Raptors traded C. J. Miles, Jonas Valančiūnas, Delon Wright and a 2024 second-round draft pick in exchange for Gasol.
Gasol went on to become the starting center for the Raptors and averaged 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in 26 games. He also shot 46.5 percent from the field and 44.2 percent from deep. He averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds during the playoffs. Gasol was a key player in the Raptors’ success during the playoffs. He kept his role as the Raptors’ starting center as they made it to the Finals and dethroned the Warriors.
With their win, Gasol became the won his first championship and joined his brother Pau as an NBA champion. The Gasols are the first set of brothers in NBA history to win championships. Now, Gasol has a chance to win another championship with the Raptors as he’ll return next season.
The Raptors have an interesting free agency period ahead of them, as they wait for Kawhi Leonard’s decision. Leonard opted out of his deal and will become an unrestricted free agent. They also have other free agents such as Danny Green. The Raptors are the favorites in signing/keep Leonard, but other teams such as the Clippers are coming into play. So, there is a chance that Leonard could leave the Raptors.
The Raptors must keep an eye on Leonard’s decision, but until then, the Raptors have retained at least one of their free agents. Retaining Gasol is a good move and will help them as they hope to repeat their championship win.
Featured image courtesy of Richard Lautens / Toronto Star
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