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New York Knicks: Best Free Agent Fits At Center

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Miles Plumlee (18) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Pau Gasol, Player Option

2015-16 Team: Chicago Bulls
Age: 35
Slash Line: .469/.348/.792
Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 16.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 4.1 APG, 2.0 BPG

Just as they have financially, the New York Knicks should structurally invest in Robin Lopez as the starting center of the future. Doing so doesn’t necessarily mean the Knicks should refrain from bringing in high-level talent who can help develop the team’s identity.

Pau Gasol is the type of high-profile acquisition who could help push the Knicks over the edge.

Gasol could easily start for a playoff team in 2016-17, but his relationship with Phil Jackson is an intriguing element in free agency. Gasol could take a pay cut if it means he has the opportunity to return to the Triangle Offense and help a team contend.

New York would need Arron Afflalo to opt out to justify this move, but if the cap space to sign Gasol and still find ideal perimeter aid, it should transpire.

Gasol is a nightly double-double threat who can score and facilitate from the post, and shoot with reasonable range. He’s a solid shot-blocker, but more important of all, he won two NBA championships as a key cog in the Triangle Offense.

Gasol can help teach the Knicks the Triangle Offense, mentor Kristaps Porzingis, and complete the construction of a frontcourt that can lead New York back to the playoffs.

Next: The Next Elite Phil Jackson Big Man?

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