NBA Trade Rumors: Available Stars Knicks Must Pursue

Dec 14, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center

(16) looks to pass the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls

Position: Power Forward, Center

Age: 35

Slash Line: .452/.267/.773

Season Averages: 30.5 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 2.8 APG, 2.2 BPG

From 2008 to 2012, Pau Gasol played alongside Derek Fisher as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. That duo won a pair of NBA championships as key contributors to Phil Jackson‘s Triangle Offense.

Who’s up for a reunion?

Gasol is on a very manageable contract with the Chicago Bulls at $7,448,760 in 2015-16. That’s a true bargain considering Gasol was an All-NBA honoree in 2014-15 after leading the NBA in double-doubles.

According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are looking into the possibility of trading Gasol.

"Gasol has a player option at the end of this season, and there continues to be more whispers that he’s done with the Bulls experiment, while Joakim Noah, Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks each come off the books when this season comes to an end. The likes of Gibson, Noah and Gasol might not even see the end of their current contracts, as several sources indicated that the Bulls are taking calls on all three players as the trade deadline draws near."

According to basketball logic, it’d behoove New York to find a way to acquire Gasol’s services.

Arron Afflalo would answer Chicago’s call for perimeter help, and Gasol would more than make up his offensive impact—albeit from a different position. New York would have to offer more than just Afflalo, including one of its coveted young guards, but it would prove worthwhile.

Not only would Gasol work alongside Carmelo Anthony as a second star, but he’d bring knowledge of the Triangle Offense to New York. Just as importantly, he’d serve as a mentor to rookie Kristaps Porzingis.

This would be a dream scenario for Jackson and the Knicks.

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