Pau Gasol reportedly taking less money to sign with Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have reportedly reached an agreement with veteran free agent Pau Gasol.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports that Gasol will sign a two-year, $30 million deal with San Antonio that includes an opt-out clause after the first season. Gasol chose the Spurs after giving strong consideration to the Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers.
Wojnarowski notes that the Blazers, Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves were “intense” in their pursuit of Gasol, offering him somewhere in the range of $20 million per season. From the sound of it, Gasol took less money to sign with the Spurs.
For Gasol, the combo of Spurs talent, history, relationship with Pop was tough to overcome. Toronto, Portland were serious until end.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 4, 2016
With Kevin Durant having joined the Golden State Warriors, the entire Western Conference will be facing an uphill battle. However, the Spurs are still in a great position to contend for a number of years. With rumors that the most important player in franchise history will be retiring, Gasol should fill a big need for San Antonio next season.
