Pau Gasol managed to survive the trade deadline and remain with the Los Angeles Lakers but the likelihood of that happening again in free agency are slim to none. While Kobe Bryant continues to voice his support for the Lakers to re-sign the forward, Gasol is preparing to change teams this summer. Could teaming up with his brother be the best option?
According NBA Insider Sam Amico, the Memphis Grizzlies could have the upper hand in free agency with Gasol. Sources says Gasol would be very open to a return to Memphis in the offseason if the Grizzlies can offer him a favorable contract. The veteran has considered the option in the past noting that he finds the idea very intriguing.
"It's appealing," Pau Gasol said, via NBA.com. "One of the best centers in the NBA, one of the best interior players, is my brother (Marc Gasol). There's a lot of attractive factors there. But who knows if that's even a possibility or if that will ever happen. Right now, I'm just trying to focus on (the Lakers' opponents) and staying healthy and playing a very successful year so this team and others will have the certainty and the confidence that I am a difference maker."
Honestly, not many expected Gasol to still be on the Lakers roster after the trade deadline. Los Angeles was dangling the forward/center for months waiting on the right deal. While there was certainly plenty of interest, the Lakers never finalized move. Now that their season is essentially over, free agency is starting to become the focus.
The Grizzlies acquiring Gasol could ride on Zach Randolph. The veteran must decide whether he will pick up his $16.5 million player option to return or opt out and seek a long-term deal elsewhere. If he jumps ship, Gasol could be in.
A return to the Lakers is not out of the picture just yet. Los Angeles cleared a key amount of cap space during the trade deadline that might assist in Gasol getting a nice contract offer from the team. Trading Steve Blake saved $4 million. If Steve Nash retires, the team saves more money. General manager Mitch Kupchak is confident that while this year might not work out, the team will have the resources to rebuild quickly and that could include Gasol.
Bryant is likely the only person that can convince Gasol to stay. The forward has voiced his displeasure in head coach Mike D'Antoni so he will have no pull. All Kupchak can do is offer a deal. If Gasol re-signs in the offseason, it is to play with Bryant and that is it.
