The three-time All-Star center Marc Gasol might have left the NBA, but he isn’t ready to leave basketball. Gasol, who most recently played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020-21 season, announced earlier this week that he’ll continue his career with Spain’s Club Basquet Girona.

Despite Girona playing in the second tier of Spanish basketball competition, the move isn’t all that surprising. Gasol was actually the one who founded the team and is currently serving as its principal owner and president.

Gasol, who will turn 37 in January, intends to play for Girona until the end of the current season. After that, he’ll make a decision on whether to continue his career or retire from professional basketball.

Last season, Gasol made 52 appearances for the Lakers but struggled to perform at his usual level. He had career-worsts across the board, finishing 2020-21 with 5.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

Being less than impressed with what they saw from Gasol, the Lakers decided to trade the Spaniard to the Memphis Grizzlies during the offseason. But the Grizzlies also didn’t need his services and ended up releasing him in mid-September.

Marc Gasol played a total of 13 seasons in the NBA, most of it coming in a Grizzlies jersey. While in Memphis, he was selected to two All-NBA teams and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. After being traded to the Toronto Raptors ahead of the 2018-19 season, Gasol also managed to capture an NBA Championship.

The post Ex-NBA All-Star Marc Gasol Set to Play for Girona, Club He Founded appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Free-agent Marc Gasol found a new home over the weekend, agreeing to a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe.

The veteran Spanish big man, who spent the past season and a half with the Toronto Raptors, will arrive in LA to strengthen the defending champions who look to be priming for another title run in 2020-21.

Gasol, a three-time All-Star and an NBA Champion after winning the title with Toronto in 2019, debated whether or not he would return to play in his native country after his contract with the Raptors expired. He ultimately decided to join the NBA’s most star-studded roster, however.

The 35-year-old center had a down year with Toronto last season, averaging only 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, career worsts in each statistic. He was forced into a secondary role in Toronto, losing much of the offensive relevance he had during his career with the Grizzlies.

It isn’t immediately clear what Gasol’s role will be with the Lakers, but he figures to be a steadying presence in the paint for a team that would like to add some veteran muscle alongside star forward Anthony Davis next year.

Expect Gasol’s new deal to be announced over the next few days.

The post Marc Gasol, Lakers Agree to 2-Year Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The three-time All-Star center Marc Gasol is reportedly thinking about retiring from the NBA following the expiration of his contract with Toronto Raptors this offseason. Gasol’s next destination would be his native Spain, according to Radio Ser Catalunya’s Xavier Saiso Garcia.

Despite an underwhelming 2019/20 season, in which he averaged career-low 7.5 points per game with Raptors, Gasol still represents an attractive veteran option for many teams around the league. However, the 35-year-old Spaniard might turn down any offer that comes his way as “family reasons” are making him favor Europe.

Marc Gasol spent the first six years of his professional career in Spain, where he played with FC Barcelona and CB Girona. He came to the NBA in 2008, joining Memphis Grizzlies and eventually becoming a franchise icon.  During his time with the Grizzlies, Gasol made the All-Star team three times, had two All-NBA selections, and won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Midway through 2018/19, the Grizzlies traded Gasol to Toronto Raptors, where he ended up winning his first NBA title in the same season. In 2019/20, Gasol and the Raptors ended their playoff trip in the second round after a seven-game series loss to Boston Celtics.

The post Raptors’ Marc Gasol is Thinking About Leaving NBA for Spain appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite Kawhi Leonard’s departure in the offseason, Toronto Raptors are having a solid season and are currently in the top four in the Eastern Conference standings. Staying there, however, might prove challenging as the team just lost forward Pascal Siakam and center Marc Gasol to injuries.

Raptors announced on Thursday that Siakam suffered “a stretched groin after an awkward landing” in their game against Detroit Pistons and will be out indefinitely. Gasol is also ruled indefinitely in the same announcement, having a strained left hamstring.

While it remains to be seen how long will Siakam be off the court, Raptors reportedly already know Gasol won’t be back soon. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the 34-year-old Spaniard is set to miss “a period of weeks.”

Toronto Raptors are facing a big challenge in overcoming Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol’s injuries, considering that the duo was featured in their starting lineup all season. Siakam established himself as the team’s best player, and currently averages team-leading 25.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

Gasol, on the other hand, is averaging 6.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and team-leading 1.1 blocks per game.

The post Raptors Rule Out Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol Indefinitely appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Spain won its second FIBA World Cup title after what was an emphatic 95-75 win over Argentina during Sunday’s gold medal game.

The winners got off to a flying start, taking a 14-2 lead over Argentina in the first quarter. While Argentina clawed their way back with 11 consecutive points, the Spanish regained control of the game by extending their lead to as much as 17 points in the second quarter.

The third quarter saw Spain build a significant 22-point lead, which proved more than enough to carry them through to the final buzzer.

Point guard Ricky Rubio proved crucial to Spain’s success, ending the game with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Efforts such as these resulted in Rubio being named the most valuable player in this year’s edition of the tournament.

Also vital to Spain’s success was center Marc Gasol, who finished the game against Argentina with 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Gasol also made history by becoming the second player in history to win both the NBA title and the FIBA World Cup in the same year alongside Lamar Odom. He also featured in the Spanish squad that won the FIBA World Cup back in 2006.

The post Spain Wins Gold at the 2019 FIBA World Cup appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Toronto Raptors find themselves in a strange situation this offseason. Although they are reigning NBA champions, Raptors are poised to head down the rebuilding path after their best player Kawhi Leonard decided to leave in the free agency and join the LA Clippers. 

Raptors currently have several veteran players on their roster – mainly Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka – that can help them remain competitive and fight for the playoffs. But as all three are on expiring contract, the team was expected to move them and get some assets in return. However, Toronto won’t do this just yet.

TSN’s Josh Lewenberg recently reporter that Raptors “have no intentions” of moving their veteran players and will see if the group manages to remain competitive in the new NBA landscape.

“As for veterans Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka – who are all on expiring deals – the Raptors have no intention of moving them, at least not before the season, according to sources,” – writes Lewenberg. “Like he did with previous Raptors teams, team president Masai Ujiri will give this group an opportunity to sink or swim before choosing a path and deciding what comes next.”

One of the reasons why the Toronto Raptors might keep Lowry, Gasol, and Ibaka, is to give their fans a reason to come to arena on game nights. This group, combined with young stars like Pascal Siakam has potential to maybe even reach the second round in the playoffs and give the city of Toronto a bit more basketball excitement. Also, it would not be a good image for the Raptors if they end up in the lottery just one year after lifting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

The post Raptors “Have No Intentions” to Move Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka appeared first on SportzBonanza.

It seems like Marc Gasol loved his short stint with Toronto Raptors, as he decided to stay with the organization for one more year. The Raptors confirmed on Wednesday that Gasol accepted player option on his contract that will keep him in Toronto through 2019/20 NBA season.

Gasol’s option for the next season is worth around $25.6 million and represents the final year of the contract he signed with Memphis Grizzlies in 2015.

Raptors acquired Marc Gasol in February, hoping the 34-year-old big man will be a valuable contributor in their quest to reach NBA Finals. Gasol ended up doing much more, as he helped Toronto win their first NBA title.

Gasol averaged 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists during the regular season while his postseason averages included 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He was also a significant defensive presence and is credited with shutting down opponent’s centers.

With Gasol on board, Raptors will manage to bring one significant piece of their NBA championship-winning roster for the next season, but their job is far from done. The team will also have to find a way to convince NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to stay in Toronto, while sharpshooter Danny Green will also become a free agent this summer.

The post Marc Gasol Staying with Raptors for One More Year appeared first on SportzBonanza.

While the NBA trade deadline didn’t treat us with big blockbuster trades, we did manage to see some major shakeups on Thursday. Arguably the biggest names that changed teams were Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol who was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Pelicans’ Nikola Mirotic, who joined Milwaukee Bucks.

After realizing they won’t get back to the playoffs anytime soon, Grizzlies started shopping Gasol in the recent weeks and were engaged with several teams including Charlotte Hornets. Still, Raptors made a last-minute offer for the 34-year-old which included Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick and managed to get their guy.

By pairing Marc Gasol with All-Stars Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, Raptors now formed their own Big-3 and emerged as one of the prime contenders to reach the NBA Finals in Eastern Conference. Grizzlies, on the other hand, officially entered the rebuilding mode and are facing a long way back to contention.

Gasol played 53 games this season and has averaged 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.

In the second big trade on Thursday, New Orleans Pelicans began the process of tearing down their roster and sent Nikola Mirotic to the Milwaukee Bucks. Pelicans received Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson and four second-round picks in exchange according to ESPN.

With this trade, the Bucks improved what has been already a strong roster and are slowly establishing themselves as a big force in the East.

Mirotic is averaging 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.

The post Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol Traded to the Raptors, Pelicans Send Nikola Mirotic to Bucks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Things are not going too well for Memphis Grizzlies recently. After missing the playoffs last season, they are on the path to do the same this time around, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference. Now, it appears that the Grizzlies realized they can’t stay competitive in the stacked West and are willing to deal their franchise stars, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.

According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Memphis has informed the lest of the league that they will begin listening to trade offers for their two best players until the February 7th trade deadline. Wojnarowski reports that if the duo isn’t dealt by then, the organization will consider the offers in the offseason as well.

Sources around the league say that Memphis Grizzlies’ front office is looking to reshape the roster and build a team around their 2018’s first-round pick Jaren Jackson.

In order to deal Gasol and Conley, Grizzlies will most likely ask a package containing young prospects and draft picks. Also, they would be interested in salary-cap relief kind of deals.

Marc Gasol and Mike Conley played an instrumental role in Memphis’ success in the past years, which saw them making seven straight playoff appearances until the last season. They have also played one Western Conference Finals and had two conference semifinals during that period.

Gasol has a year and a half left on his contract, but he has a $25.5 million player option for 2019-20, which gives him an opportunity to become a free agent this summer. Conley has a year more on his contract but also owns a player option for 2020-21 season.

The post Grizzlies Reportedly Willing to Listen to Trade Offers for Marc Gasol and Mike Conley appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After an eight-game losing streak, the Memphis Grizzlies decided they need to make some changes and fired their head coach David Fizdale. Grizzlies associate head coach JB Bickerstaff has been named the interim head coach.

Grizzlies announce that David Fizdale has been relieved of his head coaching duties.

Grizzlies associate head coach JB Bickerstaff will take over as interim head coach.https://t.co/Oe16Qm46fd

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 27, 2017

“After a thorough evaluation, I decided a change in course was necessary to move forward and provide the team and organization its best chance at success this season and beyond,” – said Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace in a statement.

The Grizzlies’ decision to fire Fizdale caused some shock in the league. He has got the best of the team last year when he took them to playoffs and gave San Antonio Spurs a good run for their money. The current losing streak shouldn’t be entirely Fizdale’s fault since, in the six of those eight games, the team was without one of their star players, point guard Mike Conley. However, the word around the league is that Fizdale’s firing has a lot to do with Grizzlies star Marc Gasol. Fizdale benched Gasol for the entire fourth quarter of the Sunday’s 98-88 loss to the Brooklyn Nets which didn’t sit well with the 32-year-old center.

“There was tension between the two. This is a factor but it’s not the overriding factor. We talked to Marc in real time about the same time we talked to coach Fizdale.“- said Wallace, when asked about Gasol’s role in Fizdale’s exit.

Fizdale released a statement on Tuesday morning saying it was his honor to coach the Grizzlies and that he is thankful for the opportunity.

“It was a great honor and experience to serve as your Head Coach and be part of the Memphis community.” – said Fizdale. “The city of Memphis is a special place and embodies a spirit that is second to none. I wish the organization and the players the best moving forward and hope they bring the fans the championship they so richly deserve. Go Grizz!“

Previously an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat, Fizdale became the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies in May 2016.

The post Memphis Grizzlies Fire Head Coach David Fizdale appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The three-time All-Star center Marc Gasol might have left the NBA, but he isn’t ready to leave basketball. Gasol, who most recently played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020-21 season, announced earlier this week that he’ll continue his career with Spain’s Club Basquet Girona.

Despite Girona playing in the second tier of Spanish basketball competition, the move isn’t all that surprising. Gasol was actually the one who founded the team and is currently serving as its principal owner and president.

Gasol, who will turn 37 in January, intends to play for Girona until the end of the current season. After that, he’ll make a decision on whether to continue his career or retire from professional basketball.

Last season, Gasol made 52 appearances for the Lakers but struggled to perform at his usual level. He had career-worsts across the board, finishing 2020-21 with 5.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

Being less than impressed with what they saw from Gasol, the Lakers decided to trade the Spaniard to the Memphis Grizzlies during the offseason. But the Grizzlies also didn’t need his services and ended up releasing him in mid-September.

Marc Gasol played a total of 13 seasons in the NBA, most of it coming in a Grizzlies jersey. While in Memphis, he was selected to two All-NBA teams and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. After being traded to the Toronto Raptors ahead of the 2018-19 season, Gasol also managed to capture an NBA Championship.

The post Ex-NBA All-Star Marc Gasol Set to Play for Girona, Club He Founded appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Free-agent Marc Gasol found a new home over the weekend, agreeing to a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe.

The veteran Spanish big man, who spent the past season and a half with the Toronto Raptors, will arrive in LA to strengthen the defending champions who look to be priming for another title run in 2020-21.

Gasol, a three-time All-Star and an NBA Champion after winning the title with Toronto in 2019, debated whether or not he would return to play in his native country after his contract with the Raptors expired. He ultimately decided to join the NBA’s most star-studded roster, however.

The 35-year-old center had a down year with Toronto last season, averaging only 7.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, career worsts in each statistic. He was forced into a secondary role in Toronto, losing much of the offensive relevance he had during his career with the Grizzlies.

It isn’t immediately clear what Gasol’s role will be with the Lakers, but he figures to be a steadying presence in the paint for a team that would like to add some veteran muscle alongside star forward Anthony Davis next year.

Expect Gasol’s new deal to be announced over the next few days.

The post Marc Gasol, Lakers Agree to 2-Year Deal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The three-time All-Star center Marc Gasol is reportedly thinking about retiring from the NBA following the expiration of his contract with Toronto Raptors this offseason. Gasol’s next destination would be his native Spain, according to Radio Ser Catalunya’s Xavier Saiso Garcia.

Despite an underwhelming 2019/20 season, in which he averaged career-low 7.5 points per game with Raptors, Gasol still represents an attractive veteran option for many teams around the league. However, the 35-year-old Spaniard might turn down any offer that comes his way as “family reasons” are making him favor Europe.

Marc Gasol spent the first six years of his professional career in Spain, where he played with FC Barcelona and CB Girona. He came to the NBA in 2008, joining Memphis Grizzlies and eventually becoming a franchise icon.  During his time with the Grizzlies, Gasol made the All-Star team three times, had two All-NBA selections, and won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Midway through 2018/19, the Grizzlies traded Gasol to Toronto Raptors, where he ended up winning his first NBA title in the same season. In 2019/20, Gasol and the Raptors ended their playoff trip in the second round after a seven-game series loss to Boston Celtics.

The post Raptors’ Marc Gasol is Thinking About Leaving NBA for Spain appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite Kawhi Leonard’s departure in the offseason, Toronto Raptors are having a solid season and are currently in the top four in the Eastern Conference standings. Staying there, however, might prove challenging as the team just lost forward Pascal Siakam and center Marc Gasol to injuries.

Raptors announced on Thursday that Siakam suffered “a stretched groin after an awkward landing” in their game against Detroit Pistons and will be out indefinitely. Gasol is also ruled indefinitely in the same announcement, having a strained left hamstring.

While it remains to be seen how long will Siakam be off the court, Raptors reportedly already know Gasol won’t be back soon. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the 34-year-old Spaniard is set to miss “a period of weeks.”

Toronto Raptors are facing a big challenge in overcoming Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol’s injuries, considering that the duo was featured in their starting lineup all season. Siakam established himself as the team’s best player, and currently averages team-leading 25.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

Gasol, on the other hand, is averaging 6.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and team-leading 1.1 blocks per game.

The post Raptors Rule Out Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol Indefinitely appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Spain won its second FIBA World Cup title after what was an emphatic 95-75 win over Argentina during Sunday’s gold medal game.

The winners got off to a flying start, taking a 14-2 lead over Argentina in the first quarter. While Argentina clawed their way back with 11 consecutive points, the Spanish regained control of the game by extending their lead to as much as 17 points in the second quarter.

The third quarter saw Spain build a significant 22-point lead, which proved more than enough to carry them through to the final buzzer.

Point guard Ricky Rubio proved crucial to Spain’s success, ending the game with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Efforts such as these resulted in Rubio being named the most valuable player in this year’s edition of the tournament.

Also vital to Spain’s success was center Marc Gasol, who finished the game against Argentina with 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Gasol also made history by becoming the second player in history to win both the NBA title and the FIBA World Cup in the same year alongside Lamar Odom. He also featured in the Spanish squad that won the FIBA World Cup back in 2006.

The post Spain Wins Gold at the 2019 FIBA World Cup appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Toronto Raptors find themselves in a strange situation this offseason. Although they are reigning NBA champions, Raptors are poised to head down the rebuilding path after their best player Kawhi Leonard decided to leave in the free agency and join the LA Clippers. 

Raptors currently have several veteran players on their roster – mainly Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka – that can help them remain competitive and fight for the playoffs. But as all three are on expiring contract, the team was expected to move them and get some assets in return. However, Toronto won’t do this just yet.

TSN’s Josh Lewenberg recently reporter that Raptors “have no intentions” of moving their veteran players and will see if the group manages to remain competitive in the new NBA landscape.

“As for veterans Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka – who are all on expiring deals – the Raptors have no intention of moving them, at least not before the season, according to sources,” – writes Lewenberg. “Like he did with previous Raptors teams, team president Masai Ujiri will give this group an opportunity to sink or swim before choosing a path and deciding what comes next.”

One of the reasons why the Toronto Raptors might keep Lowry, Gasol, and Ibaka, is to give their fans a reason to come to arena on game nights. This group, combined with young stars like Pascal Siakam has potential to maybe even reach the second round in the playoffs and give the city of Toronto a bit more basketball excitement. Also, it would not be a good image for the Raptors if they end up in the lottery just one year after lifting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

The post Raptors “Have No Intentions” to Move Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka appeared first on SportzBonanza.

It seems like Marc Gasol loved his short stint with Toronto Raptors, as he decided to stay with the organization for one more year. The Raptors confirmed on Wednesday that Gasol accepted player option on his contract that will keep him in Toronto through 2019/20 NBA season.

Gasol’s option for the next season is worth around $25.6 million and represents the final year of the contract he signed with Memphis Grizzlies in 2015.

Raptors acquired Marc Gasol in February, hoping the 34-year-old big man will be a valuable contributor in their quest to reach NBA Finals. Gasol ended up doing much more, as he helped Toronto win their first NBA title.

Gasol averaged 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists during the regular season while his postseason averages included 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He was also a significant defensive presence and is credited with shutting down opponent’s centers.

With Gasol on board, Raptors will manage to bring one significant piece of their NBA championship-winning roster for the next season, but their job is far from done. The team will also have to find a way to convince NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to stay in Toronto, while sharpshooter Danny Green will also become a free agent this summer.

The post Marc Gasol Staying with Raptors for One More Year appeared first on SportzBonanza.

While the NBA trade deadline didn’t treat us with big blockbuster trades, we did manage to see some major shakeups on Thursday. Arguably the biggest names that changed teams were Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol who was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Pelicans’ Nikola Mirotic, who joined Milwaukee Bucks.

After realizing they won’t get back to the playoffs anytime soon, Grizzlies started shopping Gasol in the recent weeks and were engaged with several teams including Charlotte Hornets. Still, Raptors made a last-minute offer for the 34-year-old which included Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick and managed to get their guy.

By pairing Marc Gasol with All-Stars Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, Raptors now formed their own Big-3 and emerged as one of the prime contenders to reach the NBA Finals in Eastern Conference. Grizzlies, on the other hand, officially entered the rebuilding mode and are facing a long way back to contention.

Gasol played 53 games this season and has averaged 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.

In the second big trade on Thursday, New Orleans Pelicans began the process of tearing down their roster and sent Nikola Mirotic to the Milwaukee Bucks. Pelicans received Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson and four second-round picks in exchange according to ESPN.

With this trade, the Bucks improved what has been already a strong roster and are slowly establishing themselves as a big force in the East.

Mirotic is averaging 16.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.

The post Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol Traded to the Raptors, Pelicans Send Nikola Mirotic to Bucks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Things are not going too well for Memphis Grizzlies recently. After missing the playoffs last season, they are on the path to do the same this time around, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference. Now, it appears that the Grizzlies realized they can’t stay competitive in the stacked West and are willing to deal their franchise stars, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley.

According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Memphis has informed the lest of the league that they will begin listening to trade offers for their two best players until the February 7th trade deadline. Wojnarowski reports that if the duo isn’t dealt by then, the organization will consider the offers in the offseason as well.

Sources around the league say that Memphis Grizzlies’ front office is looking to reshape the roster and build a team around their 2018’s first-round pick Jaren Jackson.

In order to deal Gasol and Conley, Grizzlies will most likely ask a package containing young prospects and draft picks. Also, they would be interested in salary-cap relief kind of deals.

Marc Gasol and Mike Conley played an instrumental role in Memphis’ success in the past years, which saw them making seven straight playoff appearances until the last season. They have also played one Western Conference Finals and had two conference semifinals during that period.

Gasol has a year and a half left on his contract, but he has a $25.5 million player option for 2019-20, which gives him an opportunity to become a free agent this summer. Conley has a year more on his contract but also owns a player option for 2020-21 season.

The post Grizzlies Reportedly Willing to Listen to Trade Offers for Marc Gasol and Mike Conley appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After an eight-game losing streak, the Memphis Grizzlies decided they need to make some changes and fired their head coach David Fizdale. Grizzlies associate head coach JB Bickerstaff has been named the interim head coach.

Grizzlies announce that David Fizdale has been relieved of his head coaching duties.

Grizzlies associate head coach JB Bickerstaff will take over as interim head coach.https://t.co/Oe16Qm46fd

— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 27, 2017

“After a thorough evaluation, I decided a change in course was necessary to move forward and provide the team and organization its best chance at success this season and beyond,” – said Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace in a statement.

The Grizzlies’ decision to fire Fizdale caused some shock in the league. He has got the best of the team last year when he took them to playoffs and gave San Antonio Spurs a good run for their money. The current losing streak shouldn’t be entirely Fizdale’s fault since, in the six of those eight games, the team was without one of their star players, point guard Mike Conley. However, the word around the league is that Fizdale’s firing has a lot to do with Grizzlies star Marc Gasol. Fizdale benched Gasol for the entire fourth quarter of the Sunday’s 98-88 loss to the Brooklyn Nets which didn’t sit well with the 32-year-old center.

“There was tension between the two. This is a factor but it’s not the overriding factor. We talked to Marc in real time about the same time we talked to coach Fizdale.“- said Wallace, when asked about Gasol’s role in Fizdale’s exit.

Fizdale released a statement on Tuesday morning saying it was his honor to coach the Grizzlies and that he is thankful for the opportunity.

“It was a great honor and experience to serve as your Head Coach and be part of the Memphis community.” – said Fizdale. “The city of Memphis is a special place and embodies a spirit that is second to none. I wish the organization and the players the best moving forward and hope they bring the fans the championship they so richly deserve. Go Grizz!“

Previously an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat, Fizdale became the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies in May 2016.

The post Memphis Grizzlies Fire Head Coach David Fizdale appeared first on SportzBonanza.