Pau Gasol, the former two-time National Basketball Association champion, has verbally agreed to a two-year $30 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs, according to several sources.
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The San Antonio Spurs are one among multiple teams interested in signing up Pau Gasol though the 35-year-old forward is seen more as a contingency plans rather than a priority.
While the signing of Gasol could be considered insurance for the possible retirement of Tim Duncan, this move makes a lot of sense even if Timmy returns for another season.
Gasol is considering offers from a number of teams including the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors.
The ripple effect of Durant signing with the Warriors effects the Blazers beyond missing out on Gasol.
A former first round pick in 2003 by Atlanta, Diaw has played for the Hawks, the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets and the Spurs.
Pau Gasol chose to bring his talents to San Antonio.
On the day one of the three greatest players of this generation shockingly switched teams, news broke that Tim Duncan, without much doubt the best player of the previous generation, is likely retiring as a San Antonio Spurs player for life. Utah isn’t on the level of the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs or Los Angeles Clippers, surely, but they’ll be competitive and in the running for a postseason berth in 2016-17.
The Knicks and Thunder also pursued Gasol back in that summer.
“The San Antonio Spurs” roster is going to look a lot different this coming season. The deal with the Warriors is reportedly worth $1.55 million, the veteran minimum.
Diaw averaged 6.4 points, 3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season. Rumors had suggested that Dwyane Wade would sign with the New York Knicks before Courtney Lee helped the team complete a “scary” starting five by signing this weekend.
Gasol, who turns 36 on Wednesday, was an All-Star in both seasons with the Bulls.
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Only eight other players matched that feat: Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Draymond Green, Paul Millsap, Paul George and Al Horford – pretty good company.
