Tim Duncan is reportedly leaning strongly towards retirement. The Spurs haven’t gotten his replacement, but they did get another veteran that can help solidify the frontline and was highly sought after by other teams aside from San Antonio.
Free-agent center Pau Gasol is finalizing a two-year, $30 million-plus deal with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources told The Vertical.
The deal will feature a player option in the second year, Gasol can re-enter free agency after this upcoming season or sign a longer contract with the Spurs, league sources said.
Gasol, 35, chose the Spurs over a group of suitors that also included the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers. The Raptors and Blazers both made strong impressions on Gasol, but the combination of the Spurs’ talent, history and his relationship with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was tough to overcome, sources said.
Gasol plans to play for Spain in the Summer Olympics in Rio, his third Olympiad.
Gasol is a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion in his 15-year NBA career. He’s still considered one of the most skilled offensive big men in the game and one of the best international players to ever come to the NBA.
Last year Gasol averaged 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds for the Chicago Bulls.
To make the deal work, the Spurs are working on a Boris Diaw trade. Before the start of free agency, the Spurs decided not to waive Diaw and his $7 million salary for the 2016-17 season. Considering all the other contracts given out, they should easily find a trade partner as that’s a very good value.
