Gasol, a three-time all-star, is averaging 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season.

Looking down the barrel of some significant luxury tax penalties, Toronto Raptors GM Masai Ujiri is moving swiftly to get below the tax line while keeping his team competitive in the wide-open Eastern Conference.

The Toronto Raptors were cartwheeling down the Eastern Conference standings, and a sense of unease had seeped into the dressing room.