The Houston Rockets have reportedly made a maximum-contract offer worth $55 million over four years to Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol , according to SI.com.
The Rockets’ offer comes after hopes to land Marc’s older brother, Pau Gasol, were ended when commissioner David Stern nixed a blockbuster three-team deal that also included all-star guard Chris Paul and Lakers forward Lamar Odom.
Los Angeles instead sent Odom to Dallas for a 2012 first-round pick.
Following news of the Rockets’ offer, Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley has made it clear he doesn’t plan on losing Gasol, who averaged 11.7 points and seven rebounds per game last season. Heisley told NBA.com he fully intends on matching any offer thrown at the 26-year-old restricted free agent.
“We’re keeping Marc. We can’t afford to let him go. Marc and his agent have to decide what they want to do. But we would definitely match that if that came up to us.”
Heisley added: ” I’m committed to winning a championship.”
A maximum contract for Gasol starts at $12.9 million for the Griz or any team. However, Memphis can give Marc Gasol 7.5percent raises and five years while other teams can only offer 4.5percent raises over a maximum of four years.
via Sports Illustrated
