The Miami Heat are reportedly preparing to make a run at signing veteran center Pau Gasol in case one of the team's superstars sign elsewhere.
Heat superstars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh opted out of their respective contracts with Miami. And while the three are expected to return to Miami, there is also a growing speculation that Bosh will decide to sign elsewhere.
And if Bosh decides to sign with another team and the Heat retains the other two superstars, Chris Broussard of ESPN reported that they will look to add Gasol, who averaged 17.4 points to go along with 9.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game last season.
Gasol has been open about his desire to accept less money to sign with a title contender, and Broussard noted that the Heat are convinced that Gasol will agree to discounted offer.
But while Gasol is expected to get strong offers from several teams, the 33-year-old forward will also consider returning to the Los Angeles Lakers despite growing frustrated over the constant trade talks about him over the past two seasons.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported that Gasol was frustrated that the Lakers considered trading him several times, but his deep relationship with the organization could sway him to return, especially that a new coach will handle the team next season.
"Gasol has strong ties to Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who has advocated for his return, and a deep affinity for Los Angeles and the franchise he won two NBA titles with. While the constant trade rumors stung, Gasol learned to live with them and has a level of expectation that a new coaching staff would prioritize him," Shelburne reported.
Aside from the Heat and Lakers, Gasol is also expected to talk to several teams in the coming days, including the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and the Golden State Warriors.
Knicks president Phil Jackson is reportedly going to make a strong push to sign Gasol to anchor coach Derek Fisher's triangle offense next season, while also serving as a way to convince Carmelo Anthony to stay in New York.
However, Gasol will have to wait before receiving attractive deals because teams interested in signing him are expected to prioritize Anthony and LeBron James in their free-agent pursuit.
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