Official 2014 Free Agency Thread

[MaNu4Tres]

So do they let Baynes walk if Gasol signs? That's a lot of bigs.

Not sure if you're serious.

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

I'm warming up to Pau, lots of explanations for his declined defense these last two years and I'd like it even more if signing him kept him away from the Thunder and Heat. He's still great offensively as well.

[Mugen]

Adding Pau after keeping Mills/Diaw would be unfair tbh.

[NickiRasgo]

I'm more interested for bringing back Diaw before they sign anyone else. Please re-sign Diaw! Although the good thing about it is that there's minimal rumor regarding Diaw getting some interest from other team so I think there's a negotiation going on. Hopes Parker convinced him to stay in a fair contract.

[palangi]

So do they let Baynes walk if Gasol signs? That's a lot of bigs.

Or try and trade or cut ayers.

[ducks]

gasol d might be better if he knows he is only playing 25 minutes and not having to save fouls and save energy to score

[barakz21]

not really. he takes Bonner's roster spot, and takes basically all of Ayres' minutes while shaving off Duncan's. They probably both play 25 mpg or so

Damn.. That's one sick big man rotation, if ever it does happen. TD, Pau, Splitter and Diaw(if he stays). If it does happen, and the spurs find a way to get rid of Ayres, that'll be a win for them

[BatManu20]

Still think it's a long shot he comes here but if the Spurs somehow added Gasol's talents that would be insane tbh.

[palangi]

.

[Vic Petro]

gasol d might be better if he knows he is only playing 25 minutes and not having to save fouls and save energy to score

I think motivation is a huge key with Pau, the same way it is for Boris. If he's on a losing team where everyone is out for self, his head won't be in the game or with the team. I think on a selfless team like the Spurs, his motivation and effort would be very good.

[Mal]

If Spurs sign Gasol and Diaw, NBA is truly ed.

[Jwash_1986]

I remember this in the playoffs, and that was Pau two years younger

Watching this vid makes it hard to say we don't need Bonner.

[MaNu4Tres]

Pau would be such a perfect addition to this team. Minutes for TD and Splitter would reduce, which isn't a bad thing.

Offer him a 1 yr deal for the MLE and reward him next summer, whether Tim retires or not.

[Mel_13]

Marc Stein @ESPNSteinLine
Pau Gasol Addendum No. 2: Hearing Pau, as with OKC, indeed giving legit consideration to San Antonio if he looks at places where $ is scarce

IMO, Gasol wants to stay in LA and wants to squeeze as many dollars as possible out of short Buss. This talk about OKC and the Spurs is to gain access to Buss' checkbook.

[benefactor]

Not sure if you're serious.

Well it is...if you keep Baynes that's five slow footed big men on the front line...Baynes, Gasol, Splitter, Ayres and Duncan. Where's the minutes for Baynes? Is he going to ride the bench for a whole year while the Spurs go with a Splitter/Gasol as the two main centers?

[Mel_13]

Well it is...if you keep Baynes that's five slow footed big men on the front line...Baynes, Gasol, Splitter, Ayres and Duncan. Where's the minutes for Baynes? Is he going to ride the bench for a whole year while the Spurs go with a Splitter/Gasol as the two main centers?

If they sign Gasol, then they withdraw the QO to Baynes.

[ElNono]

I get the "Ibaka" thing, but that is pretty weak IMO. If the Spurs weren't even contenders because of financial limitations, I can't see how Serge makes OKC enough to be front runners. Who cares if they are younger? It's a volatile situation with KD/WB under the surface. Not only that, what does Pau care about 5 years from now - he's not young. He shouldn't care that they are younger IMO.

If he's willing to take that level of money, I can't see how OKC is such a heavy favorite when SA wasn't even really considered unless the "asking price came way down".

I also think OKC can offer him a guaranteed starting spot, whereas on the Spurs he would not have such guarantee, and I suspect he would actually have a backup role.

Money matters, but Pau is a sensitive guy, and I think little things like that will matter to him.

[spurraider21]

IMO, Gasol wants to stay in LA and wants to squeeze as many dollars as possible out of short Buss. This talk about OKC and the Spurs is to gain access to Buss' checkbook.

Pau has clearly been frustrated in LA for the past 2-3 years, i think he wants out

[benefactor]

If they sign Gasol, then they withdraw the QO to Baynes.

Was my thinking as well. I'd hate to lose Baynes but getting Gasol as the backup C is very much a no-brainer.

[ElNono]

IMO, Gasol wants to stay in LA and wants to squeeze as many dollars as possible out of short Buss. This talk about OKC and the Spurs is to gain access to Buss' checkbook.

I agree. I was reading marca.com a couple days ago (spanish sport site), and he was saying he still feels a Laker, and that Kobe asked him to come back. I just can't believe somebody that has been scapegoated like him will just walk right back. I guess for the right amount, he would.

[Mel_13]

Adding Pau after keeping Mills/Diaw would be unfair tbh.

Yep.

[DPG21920]

I also think OKC can offer him a guaranteed starting spot, whereas on the Spurs he would not have such guarantee, and I suspect he would actually have a backup role.

Money matters, but Pau is a sensitive guy, and I think little things like that will matter to him.

Oh, I agree that OKC probably has an advantage. Just thought it odd that Spurs weren't in contention and OKC favored just because of little things.

[DesignatedT]

If he narrows it down to SA and OKC, I think we'd be pretty tough to pass up even with how stacked we are. Both teams have a lot going for them but if the offers are even and both teams are showing the same amount of genuine interest, I think he would choose SA.

[Mal]

In Spurs system it doesnt matter wheather you start or not. Win, play the game the right way, prolong you career, enjoy you life. I dont think starting gig would play any role. Taking half the money you can earn is the key.

[MaNu4Tres]

Well it is...if you keep Baynes that's five slow footed big men on the front line...Baynes, Gasol, Splitter, Ayres and Duncan. Where's the minutes for Baynes? Is he going to ride the bench for a whole year while the Spurs go with a Splitter/Gasol as the two main centers?

You're missing Diaw. Spurs can re-sign Diaw and sign Gasol still (w/the MLE)

If Gasol is willing to play for the MLE w/ OKC ( all OKC can offer), then I'm sure he's willing to play for MLE w/SA.

I think if Spurs sign Gasol, Baynes-y is a goner.