Marc Gasol's advice to brother Pau Gasol: Go play for the Spurs
Pau Gasol is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if his brother, Marc, were a betting man, he'd guess that his brother ends up in San Antonio:
Not only does Marc believe that, though, he's even advising his brother to join the Grizzlies' Southwest Division rival:
That's an odd strategy by Marc, as the Grizzlies have been rumored to be in the mix for a reunion with Pau, who played for them from 2001 to 2008, which is a move that would bolster their frontcourt and potentially satisfy Mike Conley's desire for more talent and depth.
Could it simply be reverse psychology?
Perhaps. But telling Pau, 36, to go to the Spurs this summer, even if it's the smartest move for him, seems counterproductive.
Given the Bulls' underwhelming season, and their rumored desire to become a younger and more athletic team, it's unlikely they even pursue Gasol. And that's if he would even take their calls. What incentive does he have to go back?
In San Antonio, Gasol would likely come off the bench -- or at least have a smaller role -- aand have to take a pay cut, though it depends on how the Spurs' offseason shakes out. Still, he'd also have a great chance to win another ring -- with or without Tim Duncan.
If Duncan retires, Gasol could step in and fit in with the starting lineup seamlessly on the offensive end. Defensively, there would be issues, but it's nothing Gregg Popovich and Kawhi Leonard can't figure out.
If Duncan doesn't retire, he would likely remain the starter alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, with Gasol spelling him for long chunks of the game -- and possibly in crunch time. With Boban Marjanovic entering free agency, and David West potentially retiring, the Spurs may need the additional frontcourt help.
With a projected $62 million in salaries and the cap reportedly creeping up around $90 million or so, the Spurs should have significant cap space to offer Gasol a contract in the $8 to $12 million range.
Depending on his motives -- winning, money, playing time, role, etc. -- the Spurs likely make the most sense, though the Grizzlies, among others, shouldn't be counted out just yet.
Basically anyone but the Bulls. And Lakers.
Jovan Buha covers the NBA for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter: @jovanbuha.
