NBA Rumors: Pau Gasol Leaving Chicago Bulls For Memphis Grizzlies


NBA rumors have been swirling around Pau Gasol. The Chicago Bulls center will be looking to take his talents elsewhere this upcoming summer. Gasol has proven he can still produce big numbers at his age and can fit into any offensive system. According to Fansided, several NBA teams will be going after the All Star big man. One of those teams will be the Memphis Grizzlies, the team that drafted Gasol in 2001.

Pau Gasol signing with the Memphis Grizzlies makes a lot of sense for multiple reasons. Gasol will be able to come back home to the team that drafted him and made him into a star. He will also be playing with his little brother, Marc Gasol. They showed a lot of chemistry when they were on the Spanish National team, so it will be interesting if they can replicate that in the National Basketball Association.

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol
Marc Gasol [Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]
In today’s NBA, most teams are now going with a small ball lineup. It will be interesting how Pau and Marc Gasol handle smaller lineups. Offensively, it shouldn’t be a problem since Pau can stretch the floor. Both brothers are very unselfish and can pass the ball efficiently. On the defensive side of the court, the Grizzlies will have to play more zone defense. They could play a 1-3-1 zone with Pau defending the middle and Marc protecting the paint.

Pau Gasol joining the Memphis Grizzlies that might be enough to entice Mike Conley to stay with the team. Conley will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He will be looking to join a team that can contend for an NBA Championship. The Grizzlies might not be willing to give Conley a long term contract due to the team wanting to get younger.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley
Mike Conley [Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]
The Memphis Grizzlies are not typically considered a top free agent destination. It’s the because the team is bad. It’s because most NBA players want to head to a big market. The trio of Conley and the Gasol brothers should attract some interest from players. Along with the trio, you will have Dave Joerger leading the charge.

Dave Joerger has proven to be one of the best coaches in the National Basketball Association. Joerger has spent three years with the Memphis Grizzlies, taking them to the playoffs each year. The young coach has also improved the Grizzlies defense dramatically. This year, he has proven he can continue the team’s winning ways without superstar Marc Gasol, who suffered a broken foot in early February. Several NBA teams have already expressed interest in Joerger even before his season is over. One of those teams are the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves have two young future All-Stars in Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony Towns.

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger
Dave Joerger [Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]
If Pau Gasol doesn’t decide to join the Memphis Grizzlies, he will have plenty of other options. One team that could go after him could be the Boston Celtics, who are in need of a center and consistent offensive player. Signing with the Celtics might give Gasol a good chance to compete for another NBA Championship. Another team that could use Gasol will be the Dallas Mavericks. Mark Cuban is looking for a center to push the team to the next level. A combination of Gasol and Dirk Nowitzki could potentially be marvelous on offense.

Pau Gasol will have a tough decision on his hand this upcoming summer. Coming back to the team that made him into the star would be amazing for both Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies. Helping his brother and the Grizzlies win their first title would be a storybook ending for Pau.

[Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images]

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