The Charlotte Hornets had a deal in place to acquire Marc Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies last season, but then it feel through.

According to Roderick Boone of The Athletic, Gasol wouldn’t commit to the Hornets beyond the 2018-19 season, as he had a player option for the 2019-20 season.

The Toronto Raptors wound up trading for Gasol:

I don’t know what they offered specifically, but I do know they were going to pull the trigger on that trade until it fell through because Gasol wouldn’t commit to Charlotte beyond the 2018-19 season. He had a player option for 2019-20, which he has since exercised to stay in Toronto after helping the Raptors win the title in June. So it’s hard to knock Gasol for that decision. But not giving Walker some reinforcement was a domino in the whole process of him leaving.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Hornets' LaMelo Ball standing next to Steve Clifford while defense stands in background, Hornets season ticket holders in stands

Christopher Smith ·

Kyle Anderson in the middle, Two mystery players around him, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges around them, and Charlotte Hornets wallpaper in the background

Enzo Flojo ·

Hornets coach Steve Clifford smiling with a tear on his face

Jerry Donatien ·

Marc Gasol won the championship with the Raptors last season. He opted into his player option as well. The Hornets, meanwhile, missed the playoffs and lost franchise point guard Kemba Walker to the Boston Celtics this summer in free agency.

The Hornets acquired Terry Rozier from the Celtics in the sign-and-trade deal involving Walker. Charlotte also lost small forward Jeremy Lamb to the Indiana Pacers.