All-Star big man joins Raptors in exchange for center Jonas Valanciunas
Just ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Memphis Grizzlies traded its All-Star big man Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, C.J. Miles, and a 2024 second-round draft pick.
Speaking to reporters after the trade, Raptors President Masai Uriji thanked the traded players for their service and welcomed Gasol to Toronto.
"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," he said.
Acquiring Kawhi Leonard in exchange for DeMar Derozan, the Raptors currently have one of the deepest squads in the NBA, to compete to win the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Gasol, 34, averaging 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season, has played for Memphis for 11 years.
He was selected as an All-Star in 2012, 2015, and 2017.
Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 NBA Draft, Gasol was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2008 in exchange for his big brother Pau Gasol.
Several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who went all in, tried to snatch up superstar Anthony Davis, but the trade deadline passed and Davis -- who requested his trade from the team -- stayed in New Orleans.
A late Thursday statement by New Orleans Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps said Davis will be added back to the Pelicans' lineup for the remainder of the 2018-2019 NBA season.
"Anthony Davis will play the remainder of the 2018/2019 season for the New Orleans Pelicans. A number of factors contributed to this decision. Ultimately, Anthony made it clear to us that he wants to play and he gives our team the opportunity to win games," the statement said.
