The Toronto Raptors are pursuing free agent big man Pau Gasol, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. Toronto only has about $6 million in cap room, but it could clear some space with a trade or two if Gasol decided he wanted to go there. Gasol, who turns 36 on Wednesday, might wait and see what Kevin Durant does before picking his next destination.
The Raptors would make sense for Gasol. He loves big cities, and he chose the Chicago Bulls a couple of years ago partially because he likes going to the opera. Gasol obviously would not go to a rebuilding team, and Toronto has frontcourt minutes available because of the departure of Bismack Biyombo and the possible departure of Luis Scola. Gasol could either start at power forward next to Jonas Valanciunas, like Scola did during this past regular season, or he could come off the bench and dominate backup centers.
The Raptors have formidable competition, however. The Associated Press' Jon Krawczynski reported on Saturday that the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs appeared to be in the lead for Gasol's services, despite Minnesota Timberwolves president and coach Tom Thibodeau having a long talk with him on Friday night. Thibodeau coached Gasol for a season in Chicago. The Golden State Warriors are also reportedly interested in Gasol if they can't get Durant. If Toronto really wants Gasol, it should be prepared to make him a lucrative offer.
