Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera is hoping that All-Star center Marc Gasol stays and retires with the franchise. The 33-year-old Spaniard has been with the Grizzlies since entering the league in 2008 after initially getting drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, garnering three All-Star appearances along the way.

Geoff Calkins of The Daily Memphian sat down with Pera to discuss his unwavering commitment to Memphis, including his thoughts on Gasol's importance to the team:

Q: Marc Gasol can be a free agent at the end of this year. Do you want him to retire a Grizzly? Are you confident he’ll stay?

A: I can’t read his mind but if it were up to me I certainly want him to retire as a Grizzly.

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You can't blame Pera for wanting Gasol to remain a Grizzly. Gasol has been the team's undisputed leader and has led Memphis to six playoff appearances in the previous 10 years. He helped establish the Grizzlies' basketball culture of toughness and grit and has been one of the most unselfish superstars of this era.

Gasol is also the current franchise leader in points (11,324), rebounds (5739), and blocks (1114). However, he also has the opportunity to sign with another team in 2019 if he opts out of his contract. But given how the Grizzlies are playing excellent basketball this season, Pera and the rest of the team's front office could convince Gasol to stay and maybe sign an extension.

Gasol, the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA first-team selection in 2015, is posting averages of 16.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season.