Marc Gasol

On February 1, 2008, the rights to Marc Gasol were traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a blockbuster trade that sent his brother Pau Gasol to the Lakers. This trade was considered significant as it brought Marc Gasol to the NBA, where he would become an All-Star and one of the top centers in the league over his career. Marc Gasol had previously been playing in Spain before making his move to the NBA.

In 2013, Marc Gasol was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first European player to win the award. Gasol's defensive prowess was a key factor in the Memphis Grizzlies' successful season, as they advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Gasol's ability to protect the rim, control the paint, and anchor the Grizzlies' defense made him one of the most respected defensive centers in the league.

On July 13, 2015, Marc Gasol re-signed with the Memphis Grizzlies on a five-year deal worth an estimated $113 million. This deal kept Gasol in Memphis, where he had established himself as one of the leading centers in the NBA. This contract was seen as a commitment from Gasol to the Grizzlies franchise, as he continued to be a critical part of their team identity and success.

Marc Gasol was traded to the Toronto Raptors on February 7, 2019, in a move that was seen as a key trade to bolster the Raptors' chances in the playoffs. Gasol brought his veteran experience, defensive skills, and basketball IQ to Toronto. His presence on the Raptors helped solidify their defense and provided leadership as they made a push for the NBA title.

On June 13, 2019, Marc Gasol won his first NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors. Gasol played a crucial role throughout the playoffs with his defense and veteran leadership, helping the Raptors secure their first title in franchise history. This event marked a pinnacle in Gasol's career, realizing a lifelong dream of winning an NBA championship and becoming an international ambassador for the sport.

On September 15, 2019, Marc Gasol helped lead the Spanish national team to victory in the 2019 FIBA World Cup held in China. The Spanish team defeated Argentina in the final, and Gasol's performance throughout the tournament was stellar. This victory made him one of a select group of players to win both an NBA title and a FIBA World Cup in the same year, bolstering his international status.

On November 25, 2020, Marc Gasol signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that originally drafted him in 2007. This signing was seen as both a new chapter and a full-circle moment in Gasol's career. He joined a Lakers team led by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with hopes of providing valuable veteran presence and contributing to another championship run.

On September 10, 2021, Marc Gasol was traded back to the Memphis Grizzlies after a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, it was announced that Gasol would not return to the NBA, marking the end of his notable career in the league. This event was a significant transition for Gasol as he decided to return to Spain to continue his professional career and personal endeavors.

After his NBA career, Marc Gasol joined Bàsquet Girona, a club in the Spanish basketball league co-founded by him, on November 24, 2021. This move marked his return to Spanish basketball and demonstrated his commitment to growing the sport in his home country. Gasol's presence on the team brought attention to the league and spotlighted his enduring passion for basketball.

On April 1, 2023, Marc Gasol officially announced his retirement from professional basketball. The announcement marked the end of an illustrious playing career spanning over two decades, during which Gasol achieved significant success both in the NBA and international competitions. His legacy as a great player and ambassador for the sport remains impactful, inspiring future generations of basketball players.