Marc Gasol Rumors: Why the Memphis Grizzlies Need to Re-Sign Him at All Costs

Coming off their greatest playoff run in franchise history, the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to get right back to where they left off in 2010.

To do that though, they need to lock up center Marc Gasol to a long-term deal.

At all costs.

Memphis already has long-term lucrative deals to Rudy Gay, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph. Locking up Gasol, entering his fourth season in the league, could be the Grizzlies' final move toward solidifying the team’s nucleus.

Gasol gets better by the year and put together a decent 2010 season, averaging 11.7 points per game and 7.0 rebounds per game. He had an even better performance in the postseason, averaging 15.0 ppg and 11.2 rpg.

In a league where quality centers are at a premium, Gasol has some value.

Memphis shouldn't sweat signing him, though. They just need to get it done when the time comes.

The Grizzlies can sign Gasol to a longer contract and pay him more money than any other team. He's a restricted free agent, so Memphis also can match any offer sheet Gasol signs with another team.

It seems like there is no reason they wouldn't do so. He may attract some interest around the league when free agency begins on December 9, but Memphis is in the drivers seat when it comes to Gasol.

Even if some team signs him to a large offer sheet, Memphis shouldn't think twice about matching.

Keeping Gasol in the mix will also keep the Grizzlies in the mix in the Western Conference.