Marc Gasol's Jersey Will Be Retired by Grizzlies After Trade to Raptors

The Memphis Grizzlies plan to honor three-time All-Star center Marc Gasol by retiring his number when he wraps up his NBA playing career.

"Marc has been a dedicated teammate, star player and pillar of this team for the past 11 seasons," Grizzlies owner Robert Pera said in a statement on the team's official site Friday. "He plays with a heart and a passion for the game that helped carry this franchise to seven straight playoff appearances, but what Marc has done for this organization is about more than just basketball. He was a part of a core group of players that helped shape the identity of this franchise on and off the court and were embraced by the City of Memphis."

The statement came in the wake of the team's formal announcement that it had traded Gasol to the Toronto Raptors for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, C.J. Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick.

While the trade was an emotional blow for the Grizzlies, it likely hastened the inevitable as Gasol can opt out of his contract in the summer. Rather than watching him leave in free agency, Memphis at least got some assets in return for the 34-year-old.

Gasol's name is all over the Grizzlies' record book. According to Basketball Reference, he is first in points (11,684), rebounds (5,942), blocks (1,135) and win shares (77.6). He's also second in assists (2,639) and third in steals (708).

As Pera noted, Gasol was also instrumental in Memphis' seven straight postseason trips between 2011 and 2017. The Grizzlies reached the Western Conference Finals in 2013, with Gasol averaging 17.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in the postseason.

Even though the "Grit and Grind" era didn't result in a title, fans will always remember the time fondly. The franchise has also recognized the significance of that run, retiring the jerseys of Tony Allen (No. 9) and Zach Randolph (No. 50).