Veteran big man Pau Gasol and the Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a one-year deal for the upcoming 2019-20 season:
Free agent Pau Gasol has agreed to a one-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 24, 2019
The deal is worth $2.6 million.
Gasol played last season for the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks, though he only played three games with the Bucks because of a foot injury that required season-ending surgery. In a total of 30 games between the two teams, he averaged 3.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in a limited role.
The 7-foot Spaniard is a two-time NBA champion and a six-time All-Star with 18 NBA seasons under his belt. He was once one of the best big men in the league with the Los Angeles Lakers and has played with multiple legends.
Although he is certainly past his prime and might not be able to contribute much statistically on the basketball court, Gasol is a valuable locker room presence at the very least. He has a great basketball IQ and will be a nice addition for a fairly young Portland team.
Gasol will likely get sparse minutes off the bench backing up new Blazer Hassan Whiteside and Zach Collins. When Jusuf Nurkic returns, it's doubtful Gasol will see much time on the floor.
As Portland gears up for another deep playoff run, Gasol will be integral in mentoring the young big men and providing some basketball wisdom as the season goes on.
Perhaps the center has a little left in the tank to help Portland go further than last year and make the NBA Finals this time.
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