NBA Rumors: Is New York in Pau Gasol’s immediate future?

Phil Jackson hasn’t been the president of the New York Knicks for over a month, but he’s already brought along a former player in Lamar Odom. Pau Gasol could be next to join the 11-time NBA champion in New York.

"I’m happy for him and the position that he got,” Gasol said, according to Yahoo!. “I’m always going to be a big fan and a friend. I would listen.”via Steve Nash: ‘Can’t rely on me’ | ESPN New York"

While nothings promised, Pau Gasol will enter this upcoming summer with options as he’s an unrestricted free-agent for the first time in his career. There are no guarantees that he returns to the team that he won two championships with. Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak aren’t giving any hints to where the future lies and they aren’t shying away from the notion that the versatile big man won’t be back next season.

After an injury-plagued season, Gasol will have plenty of teams vying for his services. Averaging 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds this year, the versatile big can still create for himself and others on the offensive end and isn’t a complete negative on defense. Surrounding him with athletic players and shooters and decreasing his offensive workload could revive his career going forward. Earlier this season it was rumored that the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Charlotte Bobcats would be interested in the Spanish big,

In regards to joining the New York Knicks, unless a trade happens, that’s a plan that won’t come into fruition. Going into the 2014-15 season, the Knicks will have virtually zero cap space if Carmelo Anthony chooses to return. Unless Pau Gasol is looking to take the veteran minimum, an unlikely scenario, he won’t be rocking orange-and-blue come November.

Regardless, Pau Gasol’s summer will be eventful. Remaining with the Lakers may be his ultimate goal, but if he ends up with his former head coach in New York don’t be surprised.