Raptors centre Marc Gasol extends deal for one year by taking player option

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Raptors centre Marc Gasol extends deal for one year by taking player option

The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, June 26, 2019 5:13PM EDT

Orlando Magic centre Nikola Vucevic (9) protects the ball from Toronto Raptors centre Marc Gasol (33) during first half NBA basketball playoff action in Toronto, on Saturday, April 13, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

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Toronto Raptors centre Marc Gasol has accepted a one-year player option on his contract for the 2019-20 NBA season.

The value is approximately US$25.6 million, marking the final year of a five-year contract Gasol signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015.

Had the 34-year-old native of Spain not accepted prior to Thursday's deadline, he would have become a free agent on Sunday.

Raptors star Kawhi Leonard also has a one-year player option on his deal with a deadline for a decision on Saturday, but he is expected to turn it down and become a marquee free agent on Sunday after leading Toronto to its first NBA title this year.

Guard Danny Green is the other Raptors regular slated to become a free agent.

The Raptors acquired Gasol in a deal with the Grizzlies in February.