Spurs contact Pau Gasol reportedly

[Uriel]

What? Reinsdorf is one of the cheapest owners in sports!!! There have been rumors for the last 2-3 summers that Booz would be amnestied and he never was.

They were willing to do it for Melo, who is 30 and pretty much in his prime. Not at all sure they want to do it for Gasol.

If they weren't willing to do it, there'd be no reason why Chicago would be widely considered the frontrunner in the national media to sign Gasol.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

If they weren't willing to do it, there'd be no reason why Chicago would be widely considered the frontrunner in the national media to sign Gasol.

They aren't willing. They have been saying this for 3 years now. They said this over a week ago and still haven't done it.

My guess is the Bulls are 2nd guessing it right now b/c is Gasol really an upgrade over Boozer. Offensively, he is, but not by a huge margin by any means. But defensively, its the same deal but reverse. So do you want to trade defense for offense. Thibs values defense over offense.

That is why I think they are looking elsewhere, trying to get a slashing wing player like Stephenson who happens to be an excellent defender.

[exstatic]

If they weren't willing to do it, there'd be no reason why Chicago would be widely considered the frontrunner in the national media to sign Gasol.

Do you understand how stupid the NBA media is? They don't see that there is no equivalence between Melo and Gasol. That cap room does not exist. It has to be created by amnestying Booz. Likely, they would do it for Melo. Doing it for Gasol, who isn't that much of an upgrade over Booz is UNLIKELY. A lot of this crap is also floated/leaked by agents to drive the bargaining with other teams, and the press eats it up like candy.

[ceperez]

They aren't willing. They have been saying this for 3 years now. They said this over a week ago and still have done it.

My guess is the Bulls are 2nd guessing it right now b/c is Gasol really an upgrade over Boozer. Offensively, he is, but not by a huge margin by any means. But defensively, it the same deal but reverse. So do you want to trade defense for offense. Thibs values defense over offense.

That is why I think they are looking elsewhere, trying to get a slashing wing player like Stephenson who happens to be an excellent defender.

This is why I find is strange that the media is saying the Bulls is the front runner. I don't buy it at all. I think it is Pau's agent that is saying that the Bulls are the front runner to basically up the ante.

I mean, isn't this the same Bulls that would not match the offer for Omer Asik? They aren't going to pay premium for an aging Gasol. The last time he was in the all-star team was 2011, that was when he was 31.

The only place where Gasol makes sense is a championship bound roster that just needs an extra edge to put them over the top.

He's either going to stay with the Lakers or take a pay-cut and play for the Spurs.

Why would he trade a spot with an oft-injured Kobe for a spot in a team with an oft-injured Rose?

[xmas1997]

I don't think the Spurs are in any hurry about Gasol, they can take him or leave him, because they do not need him.

[ceperez]

Do you understand how stupid the NBA media is? They don't see that there is no equivalence between Melo and Gasol. That cap room does not exist. It has to be created by amnestying Booz. Likely, they would do it for Melo. Doing it for Gasol, who isn't that much of an upgrade over Booz is UNLIKELY. A lot of this crap is also floated/leaked by agents to drive the bargaining with other teams, and the press eats it up like candy.

+1

The interested teams are likely to be accurate, otherwise the team could call out the agent for fabricating demand.

The order however in the case of Gasol is likely to be incorrectly reported. The Bulls angle is clearly ridiculous.

I think the Spurs were smart to quickly sign up Boris Diaw. The Spurs are saying to Gasol, take the MLE or leave it. If you want to join a team just for the money then he should look elsewhere.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

This is why I find is strange that the media is saying the Bulls is the front runner. I don't buy it at all. I think it is Pau's agent that is saying that the Bulls are the front runner to basically up the ante.

I mean, isn't this the same Bulls that would not match the offer for Omer Asik? They aren't going to pay premium for an aging Gasol. The last time he was in the all-star team was 2011, that was when he was 31.

The only place where Gasol makes sense is a championship bound roster that just needs an extra edge to put them over the top.

He's either going to stay with the Lakers or take a pay-cut and play for the Spurs.

Why would he trade a spot with an oft-injured Kobe for a spot in a team with an oft-injured Rose?

That's what I have been saying the past two days. It's b/n the Spurs and Lakers at this point IMO. Unless he wants to go to some deadbeat team for a higher salary. But based on his choices that HE himself has mentioned, the Spurs and Lakers are the frontrunners at this point.

I can see a S&T b/n the Knicks and Lakers for Gasol, but the only player that the Lakers would want is Shumpert and Nolan already said he wasn't trading him this past season. Bargnani and Shumpert for Gasol would work but its a trade the Knicks won't make b/c of Shumpert.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Pop's previous two extensions were signed in May. I believe he signed that extension early as a good faith gesture to Gasol, showing that he will be around for the long haul. Otherwise, he would have waited until next May to sign it.

It is no coincidence that the Spurs jumped back in front immediately following the news of Pop's ext.

[ceperez]

Pop's previous two extensions were signed in May. I believe he signed that extension early as a good faith gesture to Gasol, showing that he will be around for the long haul. Otherwise, he would have waited until next May to sign it.

It is no coincidence that the Spurs jumped back in front immediately following the news of Pop's ext.

Well that's a very good observation. If Pop wasn't due for an extension but instead signed an early one, then clearly that's a signal to somebody.

That signal of course involves only the MLE or BAE, since they already signed Diaw and Mills. Is it not strange how quickly the Spurs signed their free-agents. Also note that they are leaving a spot open by not doing anything with Bonner.

Meanwhile over in the Lakers camp... they haven't even signed up a head coach!!

Current roster:

Parker, Joseph, Mills, (Cotton - unguaranteed)
Green, Manu, Belinelli
Leonard, Anderson, Daye
Duncan, Diaw, Ayres
Splitter, (Baynes - qualifying offer)

If Gasol signs, the Spurs will need to dump a contract.

I'm hoping it is Ayres since he's behind Baynes in the rotation.

Bonner appears to be gone.

[Uriel]

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Bulls are hoping to acquire Gasol by means of a sign-and-trade with the Lakers using Boozer's contract. In that situation, the Bulls would be able to offer him more money than the Spurs without having to simultaneously pay for Boozer's contract as well.

Compared with the Spurs and OKC, the Bulls can offer Gasol the most money and the biggest role in the biggest market. And that team would likely be in championship contention too in the dreadful Leastern Conference, assuming Rose comes back healthy.

As much as I want to believe Gasol will come to the Spurs, the evidence just tells me otherwise.

[FvckMavs]

Compared with the Spurs and OKC, the Bulls can offer Gasol the most money and the biggest role in the biggest market. And that team would likely be in championship contention to in the dreadful Leastern Conference, assuming Rose comes back healthy.

[DesignatedT]

I think Cotton, Daye, Ayres, Baynes & Bonner are all pretty much equal at this point to make the roster. If they don't like what they see in Daye in SL they could easily still waive him. Cotton is unguaranteed so he's practically like every other unknown on the SL roster who has a pretty slim chance. Ayres is a little less likely to be waived since his contract is almost worth 2M. If Baynes gets an offer elsewhere he could be gone. Bonner could be in the teams plans still.

Up in the air regarding these five guys IMO.

[Jimcs50]

I think Cotton, Daye, Ayres, Baynes & Bonner are all pretty much equal at this point to make the roster. If they don't like what they see in Daye in SL they could easily still waive him. Cotton is unguaranteed so he's practically like every other unknown on the SL roster who has a pretty slim chance. Ayres is a little less likely to be waived since his contract is almost worth 2M. If Baynes gets an offer elsewhere he could be gone. Bonner could be in the teams plans still.

Up in the air regarding these five guys IMO.

Tonight at 9pm on NBATtv, we get to see these guys in action. Really excited to see Anderson and Cotton

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Bulls are hoping to acquire Gasol by means of a sign-and-trade with the Lakers using Boozer's contract. In that situation, the Bulls would be able to offer him more money than the Spurs without having to simultaneously pay for Boozer's contract as well.

Compared with the Spurs and OKC, the Bulls can offer Gasol the most money and the biggest role in the biggest market. And that team would likely be in championship contention too in the dreadful Leastern Conference, assuming Rose comes back healthy.

As much as I want to believe Gasol will come to the Spurs, the evidence just tells me otherwise.

There is no way in the Lakers want that contract from the Bulls. The Lakers would rather see Gasol walk for nothing than take on that Salary this year. Lakers would just resign Gasol if it came to that before taking on that Salary from the Bulls. That's why there hasn't been any progress.

There was an article yesterday about Boozer and how the Bulls have been trying to trade him for over a week and nobody wants to take on his contract. A team like Utah and Philly just to make the league minimum salary requirement, but that still wouldn't net them Gasol as the they would have to take back at least 12mil in salaries, which would just net them 3mil in cap space and would eliminate them from obtaining the MLE and BAE.

The Bulls are stuck bn a rock and a hard place and they know it.

[Uriel]

There is no way in the Lakers want that contract from the Bulls. The Lakers would rather see Gasol walk for nothing than take on that Salary this year. Lakers would just resign Gasol if it came to that before taking on that Salary from the Bulls. That's why there hasn't been any progress.

There was an article yesterday about Boozer and how the Bulls have been trying to trade him for over a week and nobody wants to take on his contract. A team like Utah and Philly just to make the league minimum salary requirement, but that still wouldn't net them Gasol as the they would have to take back at least 12mil in salaries, which would just net them 3mil in cap space and would eliminate them from obtaining the MLE and BAE.

The Bulls are stuck bn a rock and a hard place and they know it.

So you think the Spurs are the front runners to sign Gasol? Because if the man verbally commits to Chicago, the Bulls would have no choice but to amnesty Boozer to keep their word.

[tmtcsc]

Every time I read the le of this thread, I see"Spurs contact Pau Gasol repeatedly.

[mudyez]

Every time I read the le of this thread, I see"Spurs contact Pau Gasol repeatedly.

and I always read "contract".

[CGD]

It's down to:

-Lakers big money if no Melo (likely)

-Bulls in a sign and trade (MLE used on Mitoric)

- Spurs for MLE to win ring

[Gervin44Silas13]

Hmmm

If im Pau.....do I

1. Stay with a selfish Laker rapist who was my teammate and helcked my ass all year
2. Go to a team in the Windy city play with a guy who hasnt even played two season worth of basketball, and in a possible process of getting anothe ball hogger ME ME ME person
3. Play with the GOAT PF The defending World Champions ....play for a Bad ass Coach...and a team stacked of international players...and help them win another one

hmmmmm...........

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

So you think the Spurs are the front runners to sign Gasol? Because if the man verbally commits to Chicago, the Bulls would have no choice but to amnesty Boozer to keep their word.

Yes. If the Bulls amnesty Boozer, it would be best for the Bulls to move Gibson to the SL and sign someone like Stephenson to take the load off of Rose in creating offense.

Look at their roster right now, they have no one who can slash to the basket and create on their roster. This will fall soley on Rose and your risking him to get injured again. Having Stephenson would allow Rose to acclimate himself once again to the rigors of NBA w/o having to be the main guy on offense.

Gasol won't do that for the Bulls. This article expresses exactly what the I feel the Bulls should do.

http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-bu...ce-stephenson/

[DocDoc]

Hmmm

If im Pau.....do I

1. Stay with a selfish Laker rapist who was my teammate and helcked my ass all year
2. Go to a team in the Windy city play with a guy who hasnt even played two season worth of basketball, and in a possible process of getting another ball hogger ME ME ME person
3. Play with the GOAT PF The defending World Champions ....play for a Bad ass Coach...and a team stacked of international players...and help them win another one

hmmmmm...........

And play a more international style of motion basketball versus ball hogs or defense only squads.

[Drom John]

Marc Berman writes: "The Post reported one reason Anthony is close to re-signing is having a shot at the 34-year-old Gasol, who then could recruit his brother, Marc Gasol. The Memphis center is a free agent in 2015 when the Knicks should have plenty of cap space."

Marc Gasol has spent a lot of years in Memphis, but he might be willing to leave in 2015 with a chance to play with his brother whether it's in New York with the Knicks, or in LA with the Lakers. Of course the Gasol brothers won't have a chance to play together next year if Pau signs with Oklahoma City or Chicago. Pau could always sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, but that is an unlikely scenario.

[Seventyniner]

There is no way in the Lakers want that contract from the Bulls. The Lakers would rather see Gasol walk for nothing than take on that Salary this year. Lakers would just resign Gasol if it came to that before taking on that Salary from the Bulls. That's why there hasn't been any progress.

There was an article yesterday about Boozer and how the Bulls have been trying to trade him for over a week and nobody wants to take on his contract. A team like Utah and Philly just to make the league minimum salary requirement, but that still wouldn't net them Gasol as the they would have to take back at least 12mil in salaries, which would just net them 3mil in cap space and would eliminate them from obtaining the MLE and BAE.

The Bulls are stuck bn a rock and a hard place and they know it.

I'm pretty sure that bolded part is incorrect. You can always take back less salary than you send out, you just can't take back more than 150% + 100k for non-taxpaying teams and 125% + 100k for taxpayers. If the Bulls could trade Boozer into Utah or Philly's cap space, they would get a trade exception of the size of Boozer's contract. The Lakers could then sign-and-trade Gasol into that trade exception for any salary up to that amount.

Of course, the Jazz or Sixers (or whoever) would want some assets for renting out their cap space like that. The Lakers would also need an incentive to do the Gasol sign-and-trade (not sure if the trade exception the Lakers would get would be enough).

The best part for the Bulls about trying this route is that they stay over the cap and can use the MLE for Mirotic.

[look_at_g_shred]

I don't see a reason why the lakers would trade gasol for carlos ing boozer.

[Dverde]

Athletes have egos and don't always see the big picture. I would be shocked if Pau picks the Spurs. Pau doesn't want to come off the bench. Pau wants to be a top 3 player on a team. Pau has rings already. Pau will go back to his abusive boyfriend Kobe.