MIAMI – It looks as though free agent Marc Gasol has now narrowed his options to two teams, with reports suggesting that the big center his only eyeing the paths of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors.
It was first reported that Gasol was being pursued by a host of teams, including the Lakers, Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors.
However, according to Shams Charnia of The Athletic, the 35-year-old is now only considering two of those clubs.
“Marc Gasol is narrowing his focus to the Lakers and Raptors, and L.A. is working market place to find way to improve offer, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Mavericks are not expected to be destination.
The Warriors and Mavericks showed interest for Gasol earlier this weekend, according to reports, but it now seems as if both teams have decided to cool those initial interest and will focus on other available options.
Interestingly, though, there is still no news on whether or not the LA Clippers are still expressing interest in Gasol, who would add some experience and championship calibre to Tyronn Lue shaked up roster.
The Toronto Raptors would like to re-sign Gasol and are well positioned to offer their starting center a lucrative one-year contract for the coming season, following the departure of Serge Ibaka, who is set to complete a to the Clippers.
Should the Raptors lose both Gasol and Ibaka, they would have to dip seriously in the market for a replacement, as the current roster just has 2019 second-round pick Dewan Hernandez as the lone center under contract. Chris Boucher, the other big man from last season, is now a restricted free agent.
Meanwhile, although they would love to sign Gasol for 2020-2021 season, the Los Angeles Lakers might not be as aggressive in signing him, since the NBA champions have already signed Wesley Matthews and is currently securing the services of former Clippers big man Montrezl Harrell.
According to Charania, the Lakers would be limited to what they could offer Gasol.
