Pau Gasol Trade: New York Knicks An Interesting Fit


A potential Pau Gasol trade is being discussed by the Chicago Bulls, according to Sports Illustrated. Based on what both teams need, the New York Knicks might be a trade partner.

The Chicago Bulls have a log jam on their front line, with Nikola Mirotic, Taj Gibson, rookie Bobby Portis, Pau Gasol, and Joakim Noah all vying for minutes in the rotation this season.

A very frustrated Jimmy Butler has publicly vented about Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Holberg, and wants management to bring him more outside shooting from the perimeter.

Out of the Chicago Bulls players who are rumored to be on the trading block, Pau Gasol might be the leading candidate to go, as the team feels that he is no longer a fit on offense.

Pau Gasol has a player option in his contract that enables him to become a free agent and test the market after this season. With the salary cap rising big time, he could get paid more.

On the flip side, it makes sense for the Chicago Bulls to try to trade one of their most consistent players because they would much rather get something in return than lose him for nothing.

New York Knicks are a potential landing spot for Pau Gasol, especially since they now truly feel that they can contend for a spot in the NBA Playoffs this year with a little more help.

Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony [Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images]
A veteran like Pau Gasol can provide that help. He is still capable of putting up 15-18 points per game. Gasol can also grab 10 or more rebounds a night. Blocks and assists are good.

Another thing that makes Pau Gasol a good fit with the New York Knicks is that he has experience playing in the Triangle Offense that Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher love to utilize.

With his arsenal of weapons, Pau Gasol is perfectly equipped to play in one of the post positions in the Triangle Offense. His passing skills are almost as good as those of Toni Kukoc.

A much better shooter than when he was last with Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson, Pau Gasol can work the post, wing, and perimeter area where the guards normally operate from.

The New York Knicks would be interested in a Pau Gasol trade since he is not the type of player that constantly needs the ball, so he should fit in well with team star Carmelo Anthony.

Pau Gasol spent a lot of years playing with a star player who operates from the high post and requires a lot of shots. Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony are similar in that manner.

Since they both played together internationally, Pau Gasol would be able to develop quick chemistry with New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon, a veteran that just wants to win more.

Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis [Photo by Elsa/Getty Images]
Another international player that the New York Knicks have is the much hyped Kristaps Porzingis, who is reaching his potential much faster than people initially thought that he would.

While he has already shown maturity, Kristaps Porzingis is just 20-years old. Someone like Pau Gasol can have a tremendous impact in both his personal life and professional career.

Kristaps Porzingis and Pau Gasol are also good fits with one another in terms of basketball. Offensively, they can operate from multiple areas, so they would not get in each other’s way.

Defensively, Kristaps Porzingis and Pau Gasol are both dedicated to grabbing rebounds. They are also both very good at blocking shots, with Porzingis being able to do so from anywhere.

While there’s no guarantee of an NBA Championship, Pau Gasol could just be what the New York Knicks need to reach the next level: the playoffs.

[Featured Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images[

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