NBA Free Agents 2011: Marc Gasol Will See Memphis Grizzlies Match Rockets' Offer

Marc Gasol fielded his first offer from a team other than the Memphis Grizzlies. The Rockets handed Gasol a four-year, $55 million offer, according to Sports Illustrated. The Rockets, who would have landed Pau Gasol in the Chris Paul deal that the New Orleans Hornets floated on Wednesday, are now going for the younger Gasol. Expect the Grizzlies to match that offer and any other presented.

When the Grizzlies made their $4.5 million qualifying offer to Gasol, Michael Heisley tacitly said to let the games begin—after the lockout, that is.

Interest was high for Gasol. Teams appeared ready to give Gasol maximum offers once free agency began on Friday, according to Probasketballtalk.com. The Rockets were the first to hand Gasol such an offer sheet. Now, one only wonders which teams will line up next to wave an offer at Gasol.

According to Probasketballtalk.com, the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks were also interested in Gasol entering free agency. However, the Knicks have probably changed their focus now that Tyson Chandler has joined the squad. The Thunder are likely interested in a center better than Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins.

The three-day window in which the Grizzlies must match the Rockets' offer is now open. Whether the Grizzlies will match the offer is no question. Heisley told TNT on Sunday that he would match any offer for Gasol. Actually, Heisley already offered Gasol a contract worth more than the Rockets' offer.

As Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said, "I don't know when people are going to stop doubting Mr. Heisley. He's three-for-three."

That triple signifies the extensions given to Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Rudy Gay.

Hearing a general manager cheer lead his owner is odd, but that's how it is in Memphis. Heisley calls the shots. That's no less true in this circumstance than any other as Heisley looks to seal the team for the coming season.

If the Thunder or any other team up the ante on Gasol, Heisley will certainly match that offer. Heisley is serious about bringing the team back and showing he wants the Grizzlies to go deep in the playoffs.

"I'm committed to bringing him back," Heisley said. "I'm committed to winning a championship."

Whether the Grizzlies make it to the promised land any time in the near future is another discussion. For now, people are watching to see how the chips fall in the rapid free-agency period.

Gasol, the major piece currently on the free-agent market for the Grizzlies, will stay in Memphis.