Marc Gasol could become very popular in the coming days as free agency is set to kick off on July 1. There is a run on big men in the league and Gasol is at the top of the list as far as versatile talent goes. Several teams are hoping to get a meeting with him once the market officially opens, but Gasol reportedly only plans on taking one and that is with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies recently posted a video titled "Mr. Memphis" highlighting all Gasol has done for the franchise. They are likely hoping that pushes him to remain with the franchise and it might just be working. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Gasol will be meeting with the Grizzlies at the star of July 1 and will not be meeting with anyone else. The center is expected to sign a max contract with the Grizzlies and stay put leaving several teams to search for other options.
The report on Gasol follows the report from ESPN that Brook Lopez will be staying put with the Brooklyn Nets. Lopez was another top center garnering interest from other teams, but the Nets plan to retain the star following the trade of Mason Plumlee. With Lopez and Gasol off the market, there will be a big battle for players like Greg Monroe and DeAndre Jordan.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks are looking for size. There are only so many big men to go around as most are commanding a max contract and nothing less. However, a report from RealGM.com states that Monroe actually only wants a two-year deal in order to capitalize on the increasing salary caps in the coming season. Regardless, teams are lining up for meetings and competition should get heated.
This could also help smaller free agents along with trades start to happen. According to the Indianapolis Star, Roy Hibbert is available for the taking after he opted in on his player option. ESPN.com continues to report a trade for DeMarcus Cousns is still an option while players like Tyson Chandler could begin to get some attention on the free agent market for any team that misses out on marquee players. Gasol and Lopez being taken off the market early shifts free agency for other teams.