ALL QUIET ON GASOL FRONT

BUT OFFICIALS ARE ‘OPTIMISTIC.’

Marc Gasol’s relatively slow and low-key waltz through free agency still is expected to result in the 7-footer re-signing with the Grizzlies.

The All-Star center is progressing toward a five-year, maximumsalary contract likely worth about $110 million, a source confirmed to The Commercial Appeal. The silence surrounding Gasol’s situation since Griz owner Robert Pera began the recruitment process in Spain on Wednesday has created some anxiety among fans.

But Gasol reportedly hasn’t entertained any other team since the free-agency period began. As of Thursday night, Griz officials remained “optimistic” that a deal will soon be finalized.

Teams can receive verbal commitments from players but can’t sign contracts until July 9, when the free-agent moratorium is lifted. Memphis, using its midlevel exception Wednesday, agreed to terms with 27-year-old power forward Brandan Wright on a threeyear contract worth slightly more than $17 million.

There has been a wave of significant signings around the NBA. Gasol was expected to be among them, given he has indicated a strong desire to return to Memphis.

However, Gasol is plodding in his expected return, unlike players who quickly committed to their respective teams such as: Dwyane Wade (Miami, one year, $20 million), Draymond Green (Warriors, five years, $85 million), Kevin Love (Cleveland, five years, $110 million), Jimmy Butler (Chicago, five years, $90 million), Brandon Knight (Phoenix, five years, $70 million), Danny Green (San Antonio, four years, $45 million), Anthony Davis (New Orleans, five years, $145 million), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio, five years, $90 million), Goran Dragic (Miami, five years, $90 million) and Paul Millsap (Atlanta, three years, $59 million).

Gasol isn’t the only top-rated big man still unofficially without a team. All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who played the last nine seasons with Portland, is thinking long and hard about his future.

The 29-year-old has visited with Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, Toronto, Miami and Dallas. He’s had two visits with the Los Angeles Lakers and still reportedly will seriously consider a return to Portland.