On Thursday, the Raptors made a BIG deal by acquiring Marc Gasol from the Grizzlies in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, and a 2nd-round pick.

Gasol is a three-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA player, and a former Defensive Player of the Year.  All-in-all, he should help the Raptors significantly as they try and not only make it to the Finals, but win a championship.

On the other hand, Gasol is leaving the only franchise he's every played a game for, so it's bittersweet for him, the team, and the city.  On Friday, Gasol posted this simple message on Twitter as a way of thanking the Grizzlies and their fans.

Gasol spent over a decade in Memphis and helped the Grizzlies reach the Conference Finals in 2013. He'll always be loved by the Grizzlies and their fans, and that was made clear with this announcement.

Mike Conley also took to social media to post a heartfelt message after the trade.

 

 

YOU MY BROTHA!

A post shared by Mike Conley (@mac11) on

Gasol is expected to make his Toronto debut Saturday against the Knicks.

(H/T: Marc Gasol)