Marc Gasol exercising his player option could be a sign of more to come for Raptors

It seemed like a no-brainer that Marc Gasol exercised his $25.6-million player option. He’s a 34-year-old making great money on a championship team — what reason would Gasol have to walk?

But it’s not that simple.

First, most players around Gasol’s age would trade long-term security for a bigger immediate paycheque. Gasol reportedly had multiple suitors — including the up-and-coming New Orleans Pelicans — that would have granted him security on a multi-year contract, but he chose to stick around.

Second, it’s a reflection on the state of the Raptors that an accomplished veteran like Gasol was sold on Toronto. Gasol was so eager to join the Raptors that he waived his trade kicker — worth $3.2 million — at the trade deadline to join a contender, and his sacrifice was rewarded by winning his first ring.

The Raptors now turn towards their busy summer ahead. Here’s how Gasol impacts the rest of their plans.

What it says about Kawhi Leonard’s decision

Gasol’s decision to opt-in could be a hint toward Leonard’s intentions. Gasol sang Leonard’s praises and explained at a press conference last week that his future will be partly influenced by Leonard.

“I’m sure he’ll have something to do with it. I don’t think there is any other player of his caliber in the NBA. He’s on a pedestal by himself. His age, his game, his leadership, the way he carries himself ... he’s one of a kind,” Gasol said.

While it’s very possible that Gasol arrived at his decision independently, it’s not inconceivable that Gasol had some knowledge of Leonard’s future before picking up his player option. Free agency doesn’t technically start until June 30, but negotiations are often conducted through back channels well ahead of time.

Regardless, having Gasol onboard for next season should bolster Toronto’s case simply because it makes the Raptors more competitive. Gasol played a crucial supporting role throughout the championship run as the rare center capable of playing lockdown defense, while also stretching the floor on offense. He paired well with Leonard on both ends, and they share a mutual respect dating back to their playoff battles in the Western Conference.

Danny Green might be the odd man out

The downside of Gasol exercising his option is that it puts Green and other free agents in a bind. Masai Ujiri stated Tuesday that he plans to bring everyone back if Leonard stays, but the money might not work out.

Assuming that Leonard signs for the max, the Raptors would have over $142 million committed to just eight players. Add in minimum deals for Chris Boucher and Malcolm Miller, and it’s at $145 million with another five roster spots to fill.

The Raptors could still theoretically retain Green at any price since they hold his full Bird Rights, but it’s unlikely. The luxury tax line for 2019-2020 is set at $130 million, which means it would actually cost somewhere between double or triple to keep Green depending on what he ultimately signs for.

Even for an incredibly deep-pocketed organization like MLSE, it’s still unwise to pay such a high premium for a 32-year-old when other options may suffice. Norman Powell is chomping at the bit, OG Anunoby needs minutes, while Fred VanVleet also proved to be effective in the starting lineup.

That being said, the optics do matter. The Raptors are coming off an exhilarating title run, and that momentum shouldn’t be jeopardized. Letting Green walk to save money also sends the wrong message to Leonard, who has been teammates with Green for the entirety of his eight-year career. Toronto also had the most expensive ticket prices in the league during the postseason, and it would spark outrage if at least some of that revenue wasn’t fed back into the team.

Building for the present and the future

Regardless of how it all shakes out, having Gasol on the roster is a positive for next season. It keeps the team competitive, while also maintaining future flexibility.

If Leonard returns, the Raptors need Gasol to defend the throne. Gasol cut two All-Star level bigs in Nikola Vucevic and Joel Embiid down to size in the first two rounds, and his ability to shoot the three cleared the paint against Milwaukee and Golden State. The addition of Gasol at the trade deadline also completed the best starting five in the league by net rating, and the Raptors would not have won the title without him.

And if Leonard walks, Gasol can still be useful. The Raptors could either try to stay in the playoff hunt, which should still be entirely possible even without Leonard, and Gasol would be a contributor. The other option would be to pivot into a rebuild, and Gasol would hold value, both a useful veteran and as a massive expiring deal that should net the Raptors at least one future asset.

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