Pau Gasol speaks to Thunder, Heat and Spurs

Jan 24, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Free agent Pau Gasol was courted by a few of the most successful teams in the NBA on Wednesday, according to a new report from Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald.

"Free-agent center Pau Gasol fielded phone calls on Wednesday from three major title contenders (Heat, Spurs and Oklahoma City), and apparently will be mulling offers from those teams and perhaps others as well this week."

While Gasol is not the player he once was at age 33, he still averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season. He would be a solid addition for any of the three teams listed.

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Goodman specifically notes that the Heat are expected to make a strong push for Gasol.

"It’s no secret that Gasol has been one of the Heat’s top targets during free agency, and his phone call from Heat president Pat Riley on Wednesday isn’t expected to be the last. If possible, the Heat would like to use its full mid-level exception on Gasol ($5.3 million per season) to add some size inside to go along with Chris Bosh."

At $5.3 million, the Heat would be asking Gasol to take a pretty sizable discount. Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that Gasol is seeking a contract more in the range of $10 million-$12 million.

Pat Riley is clearly hoping that the allure of playing with LeBron James and Co. in South Beach will be enough to get Gasol to head to the Heat on the cheap.