Marc Gasol could soon have a new basketball home, and it will not be in the NBA.
Gasol, who signed with the Los Angeles Lakers last offseason, had one more year remaining on his contract. Following Spain’s elimination in the Tokyo Olympics, Gasol confirmed he’d return to L.A. to complete his contract.
However, a few weeks after, Gasol was reportedly not a lock to return anymore and was mulling a possible return to Spain. That news prompted L.A. to look for replacement centers, eventually leading to DeAndre Jordan’s arrival.
Shortly after that, the Lakers traded Gasol and a second-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies, the team where Gasol started his career and spent the most time with. Memphis will buy him out so he can return to Spain.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Gasol is expected to play for Girona, the team he owns:
The growing expectation in Spain is that former All-Star center Marc Gasol will sign to play with the Spanish second division club he owns (Girona) after securing his formal release from Memphis after last week's trade with the Lakers.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 13, 2021
Gasol played for Girona for a few seasons prior to coming to the NBA and is likely going to end his professional career there, too.