Report: Warriors showing interest in free agent Gasol

Warriors

Report: Warriors showing interest in free agent Gasol

The Warriors reportedly aren’t getting free agent Serge Ibaka, but they are trying to lure one of his former teammates to the Bay.

Free-agent center Marc Gasol is receiving interest from the Warriors, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday, citing sources.

Wojnarowski also reported that the Toronto Raptors are trying to convince Gasol to re-sign with them.

Gasol would be the perfect veteran fit for the Warriors, if they are able to land him. Despite the team taking James Wiseman with the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft Wednesday, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reported, citing sources, that Golden State still was in the market for a big.

While Gasol is in the twilight of his career, he still would be valuable for the Warriors. The 35-year-old could split time with Wiseman as the rookie adjusts to the speed and physicality of the NBA. And there aren’t many centers better equipped to teach Wiseman how to become an elite defender than Gasol, who was the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2012-13.

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Gasol didn’t play exceptionally well in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Fla., but the Warriors wouldn’t need him to light up the stat sheet. The three-time All-Star’s numbers have dipped in recent years, but he still can hit the occasional 3-pointer, block a shot when he needs to and grab a half dozen rebounds a game.

Gasol has a tough decision ahead of him. Surely, there are more teams than just the Warriors and the Raptors trying to sign him. Wherever he decides to go, he’ll be in a good situation.

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