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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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Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Affordable Cost

One of the most important aspects of this signing is the affordability of it. That isn’t to say that Pau Gasol doesn’t deserve to receive a hefty contract, but instead an acknowledgement of the New York Knicks’ current predicament.

New York has a glaring void at shooting guard and a dire need for an improved second unit, and that makes signing Gasol a rational priority.

Gasol signed a three-year contract worth $22,346,280 with the Chicago Bulls in 2014. His 2015-16 salary was $7,448,760, and his player option for 2016-17 would’ve been worth $7,769,520.

$7,669,520 under 2015-16’s $70 million salary cap would translate to $10,433,355 under 2016-17’s $94 million salary cap.

If New York can sign Gasol for something in the range of $10.5 million, it’d still have upwards of $20 million to work with in free agency. By comparison, the other top centers on the open market will likely go for upwards of $20 million per season individually.

If New York can land Gasol, it’d still have the money to sign a high-caliber shooting guard, land a backup point guard, and re-sign some of its top assets.

Next: Underrated Strength

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