The Oklahoma City Thunder are in the mix for free agent big man Pau Gasol, with star players Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook reportedly playing a role in the recruitment of the Spanish center.
The Thunder are built around the talent of Durant and Westbrook, with the sweet perimeter shooting of Serge Ibaka as the complement to their scoring. Against top-notch defenses like Miami or well-oiled offensive units like San Antonio though, relying on three players hasn't been enough.
Knicks chasing both Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol
Stalwart center Kendrick Perkins, who offers very little in the way of offense, has been blamed for many of these struggles. His large contract is also pointed to as a bone of contention among fans who were upset that Oklahoma City traded away James Harden two offseasons ago, when using the amnesty clause on Perkins' contract could have paved the way to keep him.
Last season was a struggle for Gasol; for most of the 60 games he played for the Lakers he was the primary option as well as defensive anchor, a role that is beyond his capability at this stage of his career. He averaged 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting 48 percent from the field. While those numbers are off his prime production, they could potentially transform Oklahoma City's offense into a juggernaut.
The real reason he fits so well is that he is an elite post player, but can also knock down shots on the perimeter if the lane needs clearing for Westbrook and Durant's forays to the rim.
He would seem expendable after the Lakers spent the No. 7 overall pick in this year's draft on NBA-ready power forward Julius Randle, but Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak indicated the team is trying to retain Gasol on ESPN LA radio.
"I don't think Pau and (Julius) Randle are similar," Kupchak said. "I think, in fact, they can complement each other. Julius is a really competitive and physical player and he loves contact and he'll put the ball down a little bit and get to the rim."
The Mavericks, Warriors, Heat and Knicks are all rumored to be courting Gasol as well, though with Dallas' trade for Tyson Chandler done they're probably out of the running.
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