Memphis Grizzlies · Franchise era 3 of 6
The rebuild takes shape: the Memphis Grizzlies story
The story in one sentence
Memphis turned toward youth, acquiring Marc Gasol and developing the players who would define its lasting identity.
The Gasol trade plants a new frontcourt
Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Rudy Gay gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for grit and grind.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2007–08
What came before
Gasol became the franchise's first All-Star and led three straight playoff appearances after Hubie Brown installed a selfless ten-man system.
- 09TradeFebruary 1, 2008
February 1, 2008
The Pau Gasol trade that changed two contenders
The Lakers needed an elite frontcourt partner for Kobe Bryant after Andrew Bynum's injury. Memphis chose cap relief, draft value and a long-term bet on Marc Gasol's development in Spain.
To LAL20102NDround asset
To MEMDraftPICKround asset+4 assetsPau Gasol to the LakersLAL receives Pau Gasol, 2010 Memphis 2nd-round pickMEM receives Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie + 4 more9 original assets · 3 outcomes tracedOpen trade → After 2009–10
What came next
The Core Four upset top-seeded San Antonio and made seven straight playoffs by turning every game into a physical test.
The core