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Knicks Rumors: Five Reasons To Sign Pau Gasol

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball into New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball into New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in signing free agent big man Pau Gasol. Should Phil Jackson orchestrate a reunion?

Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball into New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) dribbles the ball into New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks are entering a period of free agency unlike any other in franchise history. The roster has potential, but just Carmelo Anthony, Ron Baker, Justin Holiday, Kyle O’Quinn, Marshall Plumlee, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick Rose are currently under contract.

With a $94 million salary cap, money to blow, and roster spaces to fill, it’s hardly surprising that Phil Jackson‘s attention has reportedly shifted to a player he trusts: Pau Gasol.

Gasol will be an unrestricted free agent, thus enabling New York to sign him without having to worry about the incumbent Chicago Bulls matching a contract offer. It’s far from a foregone conclusion, but the probability is high that New York will offer Gasol a contract.

K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune is one of many to report the Knicks’ interest in acquiring Gasol’s services.

"The deadline for the formality of Pau Gasol declining his player option of $7.7 million is Monday. The Knicks are one of many teams who will pursue Gasol, who will play for Spain in the Olympics."

On paper, it certainly makes sense.

Gasol has played 15 glorious seasons in the NBA. During that time, he’s won two championships, led the league in double-doubles, and earned four All-NBA selections, including two Second Team nods.

Gasol is also a six-time All-Star who made his sixth All-Star Game appearance in 2016.

During that 2015-16 campaign, Gasol averaged 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.0 blocks in 31.8 minutes of action. The question is, does he have enough left in the tank to warrant a contract from the Knicks?

The answer: absolutely.

Next: The Enabler

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