The Los Angeles Lakers will spend most of this offseason rebuilding via free agency and the draft, before also looking at potential trade deals. With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash already locked in to return next season, who else on the Lakers' roster would be getting a new contract from the team? With free agency looming, Pau Gasol saying he will not be one of them.
Gasol's exit has been rumored for almost the entire season. The veteran forward faced a wide range of trade rumors for most of the season, but stayed put and suffered through one of the LAkers' worst seasons in recent memory. Now, he is looking to contend for a title and not rebuild.
"It's unlikely," Gasol said, via ESPNLosAngeles.com. "But, I want to."
That last part in Gasol's statement was merely because the season is not over yet. If Gasol were to return, he would be joining an aging Nash, injured Bryant, Kent Bazemore and Xavier Henry. That is an appealing roster. The forward has admitted he wants to go to a contending team and he is not ready to take a pay cut. Gasol is in the final year of a three-year, $57 million contract and still believes he can earn something similar in free agency. Los Angeles cannot offer that.
Gasol's season is likely over. He is currently undergoing treatment for vertigo and Los Angeles plans on shutting him down since their season is shut down. The forward plans to continue therapy during the offseason. He spent the season carrying the Lakers at times, ranking second in scoring with 17.4 points per game and 9.7 rebounds. So, where could Gasol go if Los Angeles is out of the question.
The Chicago Bulls appears to be a very likely destination. The team already has Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah in place. They want a big-named free agent to help round out a contending roster. Carlos Boozer is looking like he is on the outs of that plan. According to ESPN.com, the Bulls are ready to amnesty Boozer in order to save money.
The Memphis Grizzlies are another top option. Gasol's brother Marc currently plays for the team and Memphis is where his career began. Once the team decides Zach Randolph's future, Gasol could be in.