NBA Rumors: Marc Gasol Hasn’t Ruled Out Joining The Knicks…Yet

NBA Rumors: Marc Gasol says he hasn’t ruled out anything in his upcoming free agency, thus he hasn’t ruled out the New York Knicks…apparently

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Marc Gasol is such a nice guy — among many other things on the basketball court.

However, Gasol, who’s expected to become one of the biggest, if not the biggest, unrestricted free agent fish this summer, hasn’t ruled out joining the New York Knicks. Mostly because as a business man, it makes absolutely no sense to close one door before looking at all your options, but I suppose we should let Knicks fans dream a little.

When discussing his upcoming free agency, Gasol didn’t exactly say he wouldn’t join the Knicks, but essentially shut down the Knicks without formally turning down a hypothetical offer. He also added his recent tag line when it comes to free agency: he hadn’t ruled out anything yet.

"[via ESPN New York]“I haven’t ruled anything out because I haven’t thought about anything so it would be [premature],” Gasol told a small group of reporters after the Grizzlies’ morning practice at Madison Square Garden. “The reports and stuff like that, I don’t know where they come from because in my mind I haven’t thought about it. I have no [idea] how they can go there. I don’t know. … We’re in the final stretch of the regular season and we want to get in a good feeling for the playoffs so, trust me, I’m not worrying or thinking about those things yet.” …If he re-signs with the Grizzlies, Gasol can ink a max contract that starts at around $18 million in the first season with 7.5 percent raises in each season thereafter. If he signed with the Knicks or any other club, his max contract would be for four years starting at around $18 million in the first season with annual raises of 4.5 percent. …“I know what [the Knicks] are trying to accomplish as a team, but like I said we’re trying to accomplish the same thing in Memphis and we’re trying to get to have a chance to go for a ring,” Gasol said. “I see this [Knicks] team being in the same spot we were six or seven years ago when we were winning 20 games and we were trying to create something for the future.”"

Gasol technically didn’t turn down the Knicks, but he also said something that can’t sit right with their fans. He essentially said that the Knicks are six or seven years behind what the Memphis Grizzlies are currently doing, which is competing for an NBA Championship.

Question for Knicks fans: Why would Marc Gasol want to take two or three steps back by signing in New York, when he can continue to compete for championships and make the most money possible by re-signing with the Grizzlies.

Seems like a no-brain decision for most, although this could just be Gasol playing nice. After all, he’s such a nice guy.

Next: Is Kevin Love laying the ground work for his exit out of Cleveland?