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According to Brendan Smart of Off the Glass, the Memphis Grizzlies might be close to trading Marc Gasol to the Charlotte Hornets for Malik Monk, a first round pick and an expiring contract.
Sources close to the Grizzlies front office have told me that Memphis is trading Marc Gasol to Charlotte for Malik Monk, a first round pick and an expiring contract. (@otgbasketball) Also to note that Chris Makris is in the house tonight.
— Brendan Smart (@bsmart21) February 6, 2019
Gasol, 34, will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2019-20 season. According to Spotrac, he is owed the remainder of his $24,119,025 salary this season and has a $25,595,700 player option for 2019-20. He can also choose to opt out and hit free agency this offseason.
In anticipation of a possible trade, the center did not play in Tuesday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Gasol is averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists this season. He remains an above-average defensive player as well.
For Charlotte, Gasol represents a much-needed upgrade at center. Current big man Cody Zeller has battled injuries all season and averaged only 9.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. This deal would either bump the 26-year-old to the bench or make him available in another trade. The addition of Gasol would also give the Hornets another offensive threat outside of star point guard Kemba Walker.
Monk, 20, was Charlotte's first-round pick (eleventh overall) in the 2017 draft out of the University of Kentucky. In his second full season, the shooting guard has averaged 10.6 points, 1.8 rebound, and 1.9 assists. Scouts love Monk for his athleticism and quickness, but he is undersized and struggles defensively at times.
At this time, it is unknown what expiring contract might head to Memphis in this deal. However, according to Basketball Reference, the Hornets are right up against the $123.733 million tax line. It would likely need to be a significant contract headed to the Grizzlies to help balance cap space.
The year of the first round pick is currently unknown as well. This trade is not yet official.
