NBA Free Agents 2014 : Memphis Grizzlies to Sign Pau Gasol If Zach Randolph Leaves This Summer
Pau Gasol could end up returning to where his career started—reports indicate that the Memphis Grizzlies are planning to make a run at the veteran center this offseason.
USA Today reported that Gasol, who spent the first six seasons of his NBA career in Memphis, is on the Grizzlies' radar since the Los Angeles Lakers center said that he is open to reuniting with his brother, Marc, in Memphis.
However, the likelihood of the Gasol-to-Memphis scenario depends on what Zach Randolph intends to do this summer as the veteran power forward could also become a free agent after the season.
Randolph could opt out of the final year of his contract worth $16.5 million to seek a long-term deal either from the Grizzlies or other interested teams. In that case, the Grizzlies are expected to prioritize keeping Randolph before making a run at Gasol.
"The fact that current Lakers forward and brother of Marc Gasol, Pau Gasol, will be a free agent this July led to natural speculation about whether they could make up Memphis' frontcourt for the future," USA Today noted. "But a person with knowledge of the Grizzlies thinking said Randolph will be the focus of their free agency affection."
Randolph, who is averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game this season, has made it no secret that he wants to stay with the Grizzlies beyond next season, and he also has coach Dave Joerger's support.
Joerger said that he wants Randolph to stay put in Memphis, saying that the 13-year veteran has been helping him a lot in his first season as Grizzlies coach.
"We've had a great rapport and just a great relationship," Joerger said of Randolph. "He has helped me a ton, so I hope everything works out for the best."
If Randolph stays in Memphis next season, the Grizzlies will still reportedly be open to signing Pau Gasol, but only if he is willing to take less money and if he is interested in accepting a backup role behind Randolph and Marc Gasol.