NBA Rumors: Heat, Spurs interested in Pau Gasol?
Los Angeles Lakers’ power forward Pau Gasol is set to become an unrestricted free agent and is looking to play for a contender. That could mean Gasol is interested in playing for the participants in the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.
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Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders doesn’t see Gasol joining the Heat and would prefer they pursue a player like Toronto Raptors’ point guard Kyle Lowry, but he could see Gasol as an excellent fit with the Spurs.
"The trouble with each of these ideas is for Miami to be able to do much of anything it is going to require Wade, Bosh, and James to opt out. They have until the 29th of this month to determine what they want to do individually, but I’m in the camp that just doesn’t see Wade opting out of 40+ million over the next 2 years. Not impossible, but I just don’t know that each of those guys are in the same place they were four years ago that made it an easy decision to decide to come together. If they were to decide coming back at a discounted rate in order to bring in another piece, Lowry would be the choice I’d make for them. While everyone was enamored by the idea of Melo joining that mix, I actually think they need a significant upgrade at the point guard position. The trouble with that idea (playing devil’s advocate), would be they also need to revamp the supporting cast outside of the main core. Being top-heavy may have worked in their first couple years, but it is clear the amount of added responsibility and strain has taken a toll on Wade and James in particular.I don’t see Gasol going there, as I’ve been on record that I genuinely think his best fit (if he decides to leave the Lakers) would be in San Antonio."
Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season. He shot 48.0% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and 73.6% from the free throw line.