Raptors acquire Gasol from Grizzlies

After Marc Gasol spent 11 record-breaking seasons in Memphis, the Grizzlies dealt the veteran forward to the Toronto Raptors for three players and a draft pick on Thursday. The Raptors sent center Jonas Valanciunas, guards Delon Wright and C.J. Miles and a 2024 second-round draft choice to the Grizzlies.

Gasol, 34, is averaging 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and a career-high 4.7 assists in 53 games this season. In his time with the Grizzlies, Gasol became the franchise leader in points, rebounds, blocks and field goals made. "Marc brings significant playoff experience to our team, which along with his savviness and leadership skills really helps position us for our ultimate post-season goal," Raptors president Masai Ujiri said in a team news release. "We look forward to welcoming Marc to our city and team."

The Raptors, who won 119-101 at Atlanta on Thursday night, are second in the Eastern Conference, and they added a boost in Gasol to help them keep pace with the conference front-runner Milwaukee Bucks, who traded for Nikola Mirotic on Thursday. The 7-foot-1 Gasol gives the Raptors a deft scorer and passer to complement superstar Kawhi Leonard as well as Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt.

Valanciunas, 26, has been out since mid-December with a thumb injury but was going to make his return Thursday night against the Hawks before the deal was completed. He is averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds this season. "We are lucky to have had Jonas for seven years in Toronto," Ujiri said. "He is smart, professional, and so personable and we are grateful for all he did for our organization."

Memphis also traded JaMychal Green and Garrett Temple to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday in exchange for guard Avery Bradley. Between Gasol, Green and Temple, the Grizzlies dealt away more than 30 points per game of production. Despite rumors that Mike Conley was on the trade block, the Grizzlies held onto the veteran guard.

--Field Level Media