Pau Gasol (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Pau Gasol could go with the trend of joining a contender in free agency, and the latest NBA rumors have suggested that the San Antonio Spurs could be a good fit for the two-time NBA champion.
Gasol will have plenty of things to consider in choosing his next team in this summer's free agency. One of the main factors would surely be a chance to win another championship, considering Gasol's age.
According to Maxwell Odgen of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Spurs could be a legitimate option for Gasol once the Spaniard hits the market in July. While winning a championship is one factor, Ogden noted that extending his career could also persuade Gasol to join Gregg Popovich's side.
"San Antonio does an excellent job of managing minutes, injuries, and the aging process. Gasol, who will turn 36 in July, would benefit from playing in a system that's not only perfect for his skill set, but values their players' health and overall morale," Ogden wrote.
"By joining the Spurs, Gasol could both extend his career and compete for a championship."
Gasol is expected to opt out in the final year of his three-year $22.3 million contract with the Bulls, with the NBA's new TV deal set to kick, giving teams more salary space to spend on free agents this summer.
The 35-year-old center would be a good fit for the Spurs and essentially a perfect assurance in case Tim Duncan retires and/or David West explores the free agency. Moreover, he would be welcomed as an addition to the Spurs' international mix of NBA players, who have been playing effectively for many seasons.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have expressed interests in re-signing Gasol, but with the team set to miss the playoffs after seven-consecutive seasons of playing in the postseason, Chicago will certainly have a hard time pitching a return for the 14-year NBA veteran.
"Nothing is set right now," Gasol said, reports ESPN. "Definitely, I will evaluate what I need to when the time comes. But the way the team has responded to adversity and the way we finished up the season has not been so far great, and it's been disappointing. So at the end of the day, when the time comes, I will evaluate things. It's hard to finish the season like this."
Gasol averages 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game for the Bulls this season. The Bulls are currently sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference, but are still 2.5 games behind the Indiana Pacers. If the Bulls capped their season with a failing grade, Gasol may as well consider joining other team in free agency.
