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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Raptors’ Marc Gasol accepts one-year player option

Toronto Raptors’ Marc Gasol looks to pass a ball during an NBA basketball practice in Toronto, Sunday, June 9, 2019, ahead of Monday’s Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. (Chris Young / Canadian Press via AP)
Associated Press

TORONTO – Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol accepted a one-year player option Wednesday for next season.

The value is approximately $25.6 million, marking the final year of a five-year contract Gasol signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015. Had the 34-year-old Spaniard not accepted prior to Thursday, he would have become a free agent on Sunday.

Raptors star Kawhi Leonard also has a one-year player option on his deal with a deadline for a decision Saturday, but he is expected to turn it down and become a free agent Sunday after leading Toronto to its first NBA title. Guard Danny Green is the other Raptors regular slated to become a free agent.

The Raptors acquired Gasol from the Grizzlies in February.

Gasol averaged 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in 79 regular-season games with the Raptors and Memphis this season. He averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 24 playoff games.