Raptors nearing deal for Marc Gasol

Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace today announced that the Grizzlies acquired center Jonas Valanciunas (YO-nahs vah-lahn-CHEW-nas), guard Delon Wright (deh-LON), guard/forward C.J. Miles and a 2024 second round draft pick from the Toronto Raptors for center Marc Gasol.

Gasol, 34, has been linked to a couple of Eastern Conference teams, but he's reportedly heading to the Toronto Raptors.

Friday, beleaguered general manager Chris Wallace met the media, explaining the moves the Grizzlies made at Thursday's deadline, sending Gasol to Toronto, shipping out three other players for guys with upside and financial and roster flexibility, and moving forward. Valanciunas was averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds at the time of his injury. He spent 11 seasons with the Grizzlies and is the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks and made field goals.

Gasol has career averages of 15.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 blocked shots a game for the Grizzlies.

Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on December 10, 2018 in Denver, Colorado.

Valanciunas, Miles and Wright can enter free agency next season.

The Utah Jazz haven't been involved in a trade yet - at least not one that's gone public - but former Beehive State players Delon Wright and C.J. Miles will reportedly have new National Basketball Association homes.

It's a bit surprising that this was all they were able to get back for Gasol, but the big man is clearly past his prime and could opt-in to a player option for next season for $25 million.