With Pau Gasol dodging the final bullet in terms of not being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers before the NBA trade deadline, the future remains a mystery for the veteran center. Although a future with the Lakers cannot be ruled out, all signs seem to be point toward Gasol leaving in free agency this summer.
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Recently, Gasol spoke about his upcoming free agency on his blog at PauGasol.com. The two-time NBA champion said the following about his motivation heading into a summer where he’ll finally be calling the shots:
Honestly I’m not ruling out renewing my contract, I’m just open to every option. My decision will be based purely on sporting considerations. It couldn’t be any other way. I want to be in a team with a real chance of winning a ring and where I can help to compete for it. I would like to win another championship. The financial side comes second at this stage of my career.
At this point in time, there’s no telling what kind of offers Gasol will be receiving in the off-season. The Spanish import may be turning 34 in July, but he’s still likely to receive considerable interest around the league.
Obviously, with Gasol’s sights set on competing for a championship in the twilight of his career, the options will be limited and there’s no guarantee contenders will come calling.
Although all indication point to the Lakers and Gasol parting ways, there’s still a chance he’ll re-sign to play alongside Kobe Bryant a little while longer. A low ball offer and no moves made to convince Gasol to stay will ultimately split the two sides apart, but Gasol hasn’t ruled out returning.
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Pau Gasol Expects Kobe Bryant To Remain Positive Even IF Out For Season
