Los Angeles Transferred Gasol and a Future Second
The Lakers sent veteran center Marc Gasol, cash consideration of approximately $250,000 and a 2024 second-round pick to Memphis on September 10, 2021. In return Los Angeles obtained the NBA draft rights to Chinese center Wang Zhelin, an overseas prospect who did not immediately join its rotation. Gasol's contract was the primary financial issue for the Lakers as the franchise rearranged its veteran roster. Memphis accepted both the veteran's obligation and a future draft asset, giving it flexibility even without expecting him to play a full new Grizzlies season.
Gasol's Return to Memphis Was Not a Second Long Tenure
Although Gasol had previously become one of the greatest players in Memphis franchise history, the 2021 transaction did not revive that earlier run. Memphis and the veteran arranged a separation soon after the trade, allowing him to return to playing in Spain. His many prior Grizzlies All-Star seasons cannot be counted as fresh NBA production from this agreement. Instead, the club's return was mainly the incoming 2024 second-round choice and cash, balanced against the financial and roster steps needed to resolve Gasol's contract. This distinction prevents a nostalgic franchise reunion from distorting the grade.
The Draft Assets Traveled Separate Paths
The Lakers held Wang Zhelin's NBA rights but did not acquire an immediately available frontcourt regular through that asset. Memphis received a future second that later appears in the 2024 draft lineage tied to No. 48 Harrison Ingram. The selected prospect's subsequent team history must be traced beyond the first recipient instead of credited as a Grizzlies player without evidence. Cash moved to Memphis with Gasol and the pick, not back to Los Angeles. The transaction should be judged on those actual rights and cap consequences rather than importing Gasol's previous NBA seasons or later foreign-league results.
Memphis Secured Future Capital While Los Angeles Freed a Slot
Memphis earned a draft asset and financial consideration, making its side more durable than the Lakers' retained overseas rights alone. Los Angeles nevertheless achieved a roster and payroll objective by moving Gasol's guaranteed contract, which is worth more than a failing grade even without a new NBA player. The Grizzlies' advantage is moderate once Gasol's immediate departure is acknowledged and the 2024 draftee's playing time is assigned to his actual club. Neither team's move was designed to produce a star in September 2021; it was primarily a contract and future-second transaction.
Final Verdict
Grizzlies Win. Memphis earns B for obtaining a 2024 second-round asset and roughly $250,000 while helping resolve Marc Gasol's Lakers contract; Gasol did not begin another long NBA Memphis tenure. Los Angeles receives B- for payroll relief and Wang Zhelin's draft rights. Harrison Ingram's eventual draft identity is not proof of direct Grizzlies NBA playing production.