TSN is reporting, the Toronto Raptors have acquired Marc Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies for a package including centre Jonas Valanciunas.
The deal will also reportedly send CJ Miles and Delon Wright to Memphis.
It's a power move for a Toronto team looking to improve its roster as it vies with Philadelphia and Milwaukee, among others, in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers and Bucks have also made
major moves as the trade deadline nears, with the Sixers landing Tobias Harris and Milwaukee getting Nikola Mirotic.
Gasol, a three-time all-star, is averaging 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season.
"He's a 34-year-old centre, been and all-NBA, won a defensive player of the year and has a lot of playoff pedigree. So, as long as healthy and performs the way he's capable of performing, I think it's an upgrade for the Raptors." says TSN host, Bryan Hayes.
"You're getting a guy who is an elite 5-man, a guy who's been all-defensive player, a tremendous playmaker in terms of his passing. He's really good." says TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong.
Valanciunas was cleared to play today after missing 25 games with a dislocated left thumb and was expected in Toronto's lineup for Thursday's game at Atlanta.
Gasol is slated to make US$24.1 million this season and has a player option for $25.6 million next season.