Spurs' Pau Gasol grateful Grizzlies traded his brother to a title contender

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SAN ANTONIO – While Pau Gasol is sad the run of a Gasol on the Memphis Grizzlies roster since 2001 has ended, he's glad his brother Marc is with a title contender.

"It's bittersweet, but at the same time it's a great opportunity for him," the Spurs center said after Saturday's loss at Utah.

The Grizzlies, who host the Spurs on Tuesday night, shipped Marc Gasol to Toronto last Thursday in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, Deion Wright, C.J. Miles and a 2024 second-round pick.

The trade came in the midst of Marc Gasol's 11th season in the NBA, all with the Grizzlies. He left the franchise as its all-time leader in points and rebounds.

Pau Gasol played for Memphis from the start of the 2001-2002 season until the Grizzlies traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008 in a deal that helped the Lakers win two NBA titles.

Now Pau Gasol hopes his younger brother will have similar good fortune with his change in scenery.

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) greets his brother San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) after an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) greets his brother San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) after an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) Photo: Brandon Dill, Associated Press Photo: Brandon Dill, Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Spurs' Pau Gasol grateful Grizzlies traded his brother to a title contender 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

"It speaks highly of the Grizzlies...how they put me in a position to succeed and (are) doing the same with Marc," Pau Gasol said. "I think that's an appreciation and a great sign of respect for the player. Obviously, they had to get their stuff in return, and players in return. But I think it's a great opportunity for Marc in Toronto, and I hope he will be happy there."

ESPN Deportes reported Pau Gasol had asked the Spurs to trade him before last week's deadline, but there were no takers for the 18th-year pro who has fallen out of Gregg Popovich's rotation after missing 26 games in November-December with a foot injury.

"I focus every day, to stay ready, to do my best, to control what I can control, to be a professional and to be a good teammate," Pau Gasol said in Salt Lake City. "That's all I can do. That's the best I can do. Obviously, it's not ideal."