Pau Gasol rumors: Oklahoma City Thunder ‘seriously in the mix’
Although all of the focus in free agency is on the Miami Heat’s big three of forward LeBron James, guard Dwyane Wade and center Chris Bosh and New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol is still an excellent player and is one of the most sought-after free agents.
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Several teams are in the running for Gasol but it appears as though the New York Knicks have fallen behind the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder are a bit cash strapped and much like the Knicks, could have trouble finding room to give Gasol the contract he desires, which is why some consider them a long-shot to land Gasol.
However, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders believes the Thunder are still “seriously in the mix.”
"I do think that the Thunder are seriously in the mix for Pau Gasol, along with the L.A. Lakers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs among others. OKC has clearly made Pau their priority, as he has now heard recruiting pitches from Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Scott Brooks among others. But again, it really depends on what happens with Carmelo. There has been some talk that Gasol wants to play with Anthony, so he could follow him to Los Angeles, Chicago or New York, depending on what happens.All I know is that these next few days are going to be very interesting."
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.