Pau Gasol rumors: Miami Heat’s Pat Riley contacts Gasol
The Miami Heat are hoping to keep their big three of forward LeBron James, big man Chris Bosh and guard Dwyane Wade while adding key pieces around them.
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If the Heat can convince Bosh and Wade to take pay cuts, as has been reported, they may be able to afford another borderline all-star player. They were expected to pursue Washington Wizards’ center, but he has agreed to a five-year, $60 million deal to remain with the Wizards.
The Heat may opt to make a run at Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol instead.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Gasol talked with Heat president Pat Riley on the phone Tuesday.
Free agent Pau Gasol had a phone conversation with Miami president Pat Riley today, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2014
Of course, Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles reported the Lakers met with Gasol face-to-face.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak met with free agent forward Pau Gasol in person on Tuesday, according to a league source.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2014
The meeting today between Kupchak and Gasol took place at an L.A. office building and lasted "a few hours," according to a source.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 2, 2014
Gasol has enjoyed playing for the Lakers (with the exception of his one-and-a-half years in Mike D’Antoni’s system), but Gasol wants to win another title and if the big three all re-sign with the Heat like most expect, the Heat would obviously be much closer to winning a championship than the Lakers.
Gasol is also expected to be pursued by the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns, among others.
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.