The New York Knicks know that they have a lot of work to do before they can become the title contender that they hope to, and they started by shedding some salary this week. The team completed a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder that allowed the Knicks to reduce their payroll, possibly in order to chase free agents during the upcoming offseason.

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And it appears that their top target will be All Pro center Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gasol is the younger brother of Pau Gasol, and he will be one of the biggest free agent names available once the season ends if he does not receive an extension from the Grizzlies. Gasol has blossomed in recent seasons as arguably the best two-way center in the entire league.

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Gasol has always been able to play defense thanks to his savvy court positioning, but in recent years he has improved his touch around the basket and become an above-average shooter from the midrange. Gasol is also regarded as arguably the best passing big man in the NBA. But, as has been the case for years now, it may not be that simple with the Knicks.

The Grizzlies are one of the best teams in the league this year, boasting a 25-9 record that has them in third place in the tough Western Conference. Going back to last season when Gasol returned from injury, Memphis has the best record in the entire NBA.