NBA Free Agents 2011: Is Michael Heisley Down-Playing Marc Gasol Signing?

Marc Gasol seems all but set to re-sign with the Memphis Grizzlies once the free agency period opens on Friday. Gasol has expressed his affection for Memphis and the Grizzlies. Conversely, Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley has talked about how signing Gasol is a No. 1 priority for the Grizzlies. As often as Heisley emphasizes it, the Gasol signing might seem like a slam dunk.

Or is it?

Heisley gave a muddled response in an interview with The Commercial Appeal published on Tuesday about the possibility of re-signing Gasol. Heisley said:

"

I can't put a gun to Gasol's head an make him re-sign. He's got his own options. The press makes it sound like it's the owner making the decision. All I can say is nobody has a greater appreciation for him than the management of the Grizzlies. We showed that interest early and now he's one of the best centers in the NBA. I understand he wants to get paid. And I think he should get paid. We're going to match what anybody else offers. ... He's going to get double figures starting out. It's just a matter of where he wants to be.

"

With Heisley shifting in his response as often as Mitt Romney, one wonders what he was really trying to say.

Is Heisley Already Moving on from Gasol Signing?

Heisley seemed like his mind was on the arm twisting he would soon give a fellow billionaire businessman when responding to the question. His answer was much less clear than his earlier statement that he thought the Grizzlies "have a real chance over the next two or three years to win the NBA championship."

First, one sees the seemingly strong remarks about planning to re-sign Gasol. Heisley spoke of the strong appreciation the Grizzlies have for Gasol. Also, the Grizzlies owner stated that the Grizzlies would match any offer made for Gasol.

On the other hand, one found a soft-peddling comment for every strong statement. He said Gasol has "his own options." Then, he said it's about "where he wants to be."

Perhaps, Heisley is showing his true attitude about regular business. One sometimes hears stinging resentment when he hears something he doesn't like. Meanwhile, he might simply be so focused on regular business, such as re-signing a valuable player like Gasol, that he's looking onward towards other business.

This is entirely possible. He's spoken on the topic numerous times. He told The Commercial Appeal, "I'm committed to keeping him."

In May, Heisley told The Commercial Appeal, "My intention is to bring Marc back."

Heisley might be thinking that he can only provide a limited amount of quotes.

The talk can feed itself.

Conclusion: Heisley and Gasol May Have a Mutual Understanding

Heisley has said what he has to say. His remarks in Tuesday's edition of The Commercial Appeal weren't the clearest, but he made what could be a simple business statement.

Gasol seems most interested in staying with the Grizzlies. In September, he said, "I feel like Memphis is my home."

Nothing could seem more heartened.

Heisley and Gasol could be thinking along the same lines. Both could be nodding at each other, figuratively speaking, expecting to come together on a deal once all is said and done. Whether Heisley shakes Gasol's hand on December 9 or after Heisley (it's his say no matter what he says) matches other teams' offers, they could be treating it as a foregone conclusion.