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          Raptors' Gasol exercises $25.6M option to return

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          Woj: Gasol opting in has no effect on Kawhi talks (0:58)

          Adrian Wojnarowski says Marc Gasol knew he wasn't going to get this type of money if he entered free agency so he opted into his player option. (0:58)

          • Associated Press
          Jun 26, 2019, 05:17 PM ET

          TORONTO -- Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol accepted a one-year player option Wednesday for next season.

          The value is approximately $25.6 million, marking the final season of a five-year contract Gasol signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015. Had the 34-year-old Spaniard not accepted prior to the Thursday, 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 Saturday, but he is expected to turn it down and become a free agent Sunday after leading Toronto to its first NBA title. Guard Danny Green is the other Raptors regular slated to become a free agent.

          The Raptors acquired Gasol from the Grizzlies in February.

          Gasol averaged 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in 79 regular-season games with the Raptors and Memphis this season. He averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 24 playoff games.