Fansided

NBA rumors: Could Toronto Raptors lure Pau Gasol?

By John Buhler

Dec 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 104-97. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball as Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) defends during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 104-97. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With Bismack Biyombo signing a four-year deal with the Orlando Magic, does this mean that the Toronto Raptors can entice Pau Gasol in 2016 NBA free agency?

Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri was a big fan of Bismack Biyombo’s, but not enough to give him a four-year, $72 million contract like the Orlando Magic just did in 2016 NBA free agency. With a key front court piece missing in Toronto, does this mean that the Raptors could have their eyes on future Hall of Fame big man Pau Gasol?

Gasol is now an unrestricted free agent and is almost certainly not going back to the presumed rebuilding project with the Chicago Bulls. While teams like the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs have generated more free agency buzz with regards to Gasol than any other team, the Raptors might be a sneaky-good fit for the venerable veteran.

Though the Raptors are fond of power forward Patrick Patterson and with Biyombo going to Orlando, Toronto might want to upgrade their front court and bring in a two-time NBA Champion and perennial All-Star like Gasol.

Gasol is looking for one last big pay day before ending his Hall of Fame career. However at this stage of his career, Gasol only wants to play for a team that can contend for an NBA Championship. Both the Spurs and Trail Blazers played in the Western Conference Semifinals last season. The Raptors did both organizations one better by making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Playing in the East probably gives Gasol the better opportunity to contend for an NBA Championship. Toronto should be a top four team again next season and are presumed favorites to win the Atlantic Division crown for a fourth year in a row. Though the Raptors are potentially coming on Gasol’s radar very late in the game, this would be a strong landing spot for him this summer if he decides to sign with Toronto.

For more NBA free agency news, please check out our NBA free agency category page.

Home/Chicago Bulls