New York Knicks Rumors: Pau Gasol A Free Agent Target?

New York Knicks Rumors: Could the Knicks target power forward/center Pau Gasol in free agency once again this summer?

The New York Knicks need some serious help if they are to turn things around and make a push for the postseason. With a 23-32 record, the Knicks have a long road ahead of them if they are to sneak into the Eastern Conference playoffs. With no first round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Knicks have little reason not to at least try and make a late postseason push.

While the rumor mill is churning currently about the Knicks looking to make a move and add to their current roster, it is never too early to take a look ahead to the summer when NBA free agency gets under way. The Knicks could theoretically add a point guard then, as they should have some decent cap space available to continue building around Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony.

But, could the Knicks go in a different direction during free agency and add another peice and mentor to go next to Porzingis? Joe Giglio of NJ.com believes there is a possibility that happens, with Pau Gasol being the target for the Knicks in free agency.

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Giglio uses an excerpt from a piece written by Marc Berman of the New York Post as the basis of his rumors article. Here is what Berman has to say about the possibility of Gasol joining the Knicks as a free agent this summer.

"Gasol is a cultured, big-city guy, and money isn’t his primary concern, which bodes very well for the Knicks, according to a source. Though it’s not a clear position need with Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis, the 2016 free-agent class is not deep, and Gasol represents one of Jackson’s all-time favorite players.Jackson made a futile bid at Gasol during the summer of 2014, when he could only offer the mini-midlevel exception of $3.5 million. Gasol got a deal starting at close to $8 million with the Bulls, though he turned down bigger deals."

There are a couple of hurdles for Phil Jackson and the Knicks to jump if they are to bring Gasol aboard. The point of signing him would be to help Porzingis grow, not stunt his growth. With Robin Lopez currently entrenched as the starting center, there may not be enough minutes to give to Porzingis, Lopez and Gasol to keep everyone happy.

Gasol has shown in the past that he can adapt to any situation, as he was successful as the sole big man on the court, but also saw success with the Los Angeles Lakers when he was paired with Andrew Bynum. But, pairing Porzingis and Gasol together will only become a reality if the Knicks are able to find a taker for Lopez on the trade market.

Despite being 35-years old, Gasol has shown no signs of slowing down, averaging 17 points and 10.9 rebounds per game to go with 3.4 assists and 2.0 blocks. It will be interesting to see what Jackson does this summer in regards to Gasol, as he was unable to give a legitimate offer last time he was a free agent.

Next: 5 Point Guards Knicks Should Target

This time, Jackson is armed with cap space and could be able to entice his former player to join the squad this summer.

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