Pau Gasol is rumored to be a target of the Dallas Mavericks once free-agency officially commences on July 1.
ESPN.com reports some in the Mavs’ camp now view the 34-year-old, four-time All-Star Gasol as representing the team’s best realistic chance of improving their roster from last season’s 49-win team. The Mavs are also rumored to be interested in Knicks’ free-agent forward Carmelo Anthony.
Gasol is expected to attract the attention of several potential suitors, though the lure of being able to team with fellow 7-foot European-born star Dirk Nowitzki and the added factor of being able to join what already rates as one of the leagues’ best offenses could pay dividends for the Mavs.
Even as he openly complained about Mike D’Antoni’s small-ball, uptempo offense, Gasol averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for L.A. last season. The Mavs are expected to have at least $30 million in salary-cap space this summer and longtime franchise stalwart and free-agent-to-be Nowitzki has already pledged his willingness to take less money to pave the way for new additions.
What the Mavs are thought to be in jeopardy of losing defensively in a Gasol/Nowitzki pairing is thought by some be more than offset by the prolific scoring of the veteran duo. In addition, the Mavs would still have veteran center Samuel Dalembert as a defensive option and are also rumored to have interest in Knicks center and former Mav Tyson Chandler — should the team decide to deal him.
Besides the Lakers, Gasol is also known to be attracting varying levels of interest from the Bulls, Rockets, Spurs and Grizzlies. A 13-year-veteran and two-time NBA champion, Gasol’s best season came with the Grizzlies in 2006-07, when he averaged 21 points, 1o rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
