Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (L) battles for the rebound against Toronto Raptors' Jonas Valanciunas. (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent NBA rumors have emerged that the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers are among the teams who are set to woo six-time All-Star Pau Gasol in this summer's free-agency period.
Gasol, who will turn 36 on Wednesday, had just finished the second season of his three-year, $22.3 million deal with the Chicago Bulls that has a player option at the end of the second year. He averaged 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 72 games as a starter for new head coach Fred Hoiberg last season.
However, he chose to opt out of his contract this summer and became an unrestricted free agent on July 1, attracting the interest of several NBA squads, which also included the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves according to reports.
The Barcelona native is not expected to re-sign with the Bulls and so he is up for a lucrative bidding war among the said teams.
Toronto, who recently lost young center Bismack Biyombo to Orlando to the tune of a four-year, $72 million deal, is said to be planning to pursue Gasol as the team tries to fill-up that big man void left by Biyombo.
Fansided noted that "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".
Meanwhile, SB Nation reported that the Blazers are preparing a "large offer" for the incoming 17-year veteran.
The report said, though, that "after agreeing to terms with Evan Turner, the Blazers do not currently have salary cap space to make another large offer". Portland will have to make a trade or relinquish free agents in order to have enough room to sign someone like Gasol.
The Spaniard is said to be searching for "one last big pay day" before he calls his career quits, but he also wants to join a contending team that will give him an opportunity to add to his collection of two championship rings. If that's the case then the Spurs or the Raptors can be a good destination for him.
With the Raptors projected to still be an Eastern Conference title contender next season, the addition of Gasol may give them a slight chance of dethroning reigning champs Cleveland Cavaliers, although it would be a long shot at this point.
