After failing to re-sign center Bismack Biyombo, who signed with the Orlando Magic, the Toronto Raptors look to move on. ESPN's Marc Stein says that Toronto has emerged as a suitor for unrestricted free agent Pau Gasol.
Gasol opted out of his final year with the Chicago Bulls this past week and looks to sign with a contender. Other teams in the mix for the Gasol Sweepstakes are the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Raptors' General Manager Masai Ujiri has been very busy since the start of free agency on July 1 after making his first move in locking up DeMar DeRozan on a five year, $145-million deal. With this move, Ujiri let Bismack Biyombo walk out the door as there was not enough money to re-sign Biyombo to the long-term contract he wanted.
Losing Biyombo meant that Ujiri had the fill that gap and with Gasol still available, the move makes sense. Toronto has not had a solid power forward since the departure of Chris Bosh back in 2010. Signing Gasol would resolidify that power forward position as Gasol has a high basketball I.Q., a winning mentality, his touch on the offensive end and his rebounding presence.
The Chicago Bulls finished the season with a 42-40 record and missed the playoffs. In 72 games Gasol managed to average 16.5 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks per game. This is quite impressive considering Gasol is 35-years-old and can still produce at a high-level.
Signing Gasol may be a long shot but it still worth it in trying to attract him. The Raptors have $5-6 million dollars free in cap space so Masai will have to make a decision on whether to give Gasol a decent contract or whether to clear some place in releasing players to sign Gasol to a better contract.
It is now a waiting game as Gasol intends to make his decision after top free agent Kevin Durant decides on where to sign next.