The Oklahoma City Thunder are content letting other teams pursue players like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony in free agency. They have no need for either option. However, what they are looking for is a versatile center to help anchor down their defense and rebound at the rim. Pau Gasol is their new favorite and the Thunder plan on pulling out all the stops for the center when he comes for a meeting.
Gasol is interested in joining up with the Thunder. They have everything he wants in a team. Oklahoma City has established franchise stars in Durant and Westbrook. They have a strong coaching presence and a stable front office. They will also likely be in the running for the playoffs no matter what. Oklahoma City is aware Gasol is interested and they are hoping their players start the recruiting process for the All-Star.
According to ESPN.com, both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are expected to help in the recruiting of Gasol when he makes his visit on Wednesday. The two will make a face-to-face appearance alongside general manager Sam Presti. The Thunder are aware there is a lot of competition for Gasol as many teams are in desperate need for his 9.7 rebounds per game. The issue for Oklahoma City becomes money. The team has roughly $5 million to spend before getting over the luxury tax line. Gasol is reportedly demanding much more than that which could hurt the Thunder. However, if he wants to win a championship then a pay cut will have to do.
The San Antonio Spurs are also a frontrunner to land Gasol and they have the money to pay him. Gasol is very interested in the team considering the championship history. The issue is that Tim Duncan has opted in for his final year on his contract. Gasol struggled to function on the court with two big men when he was teamed up with Dwight Howard for year on the Lakers. It could be assumed the same might happen with him and Duncan.
The New York Knicks are still hoping they are in the running for the center. That signing could come down to the decision of Anthony. If the guard ultimately decides to re-sign with the team, Gasol would be enticed to join as well and reunite with Phil Jackson. However, without Anthony, the Knicks are not appealing to a veteran player hoping to win a championship before retirement.