After reportedly signing former Boston Celtics guard Brad Wanamaker to a one-year contract, the Golden State Warriors have shifted their plans to the frontcourt market in free agency.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Warriors are showing interest in veteran big man Marc Gasol. However, the Warriors will have competition to bring the former Defensive Player of the Year. The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors have also shown interest in signing Gasol.
Via @wojespn on Twitter:
Another Western Conference team showing interest in signing Marc Gasol, sources tell ESPN: Golden State. https://t.co/L2uGswJn82
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 22, 2020
Gasol spent the last season and a half playing with the Raptors, averaging 8.1 points on 44.2% shooting from the field with 6.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest. During his 70 game stint in Toronto, the three-time All-Star shot 40.0% from beyond the arc on 2.9 attempts per game.
During Toronto’s run in the Orlando Bubble, Gasol tallied seven points on 46.5% shooting with 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in eight games. The 6-foot-11 center struggled in Toronto’s postseason campaign. Over 11 playoff tilts at Disney World, Gasol registered six points on 39.1% shooting from the field.
Against the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals, Gasol started all six games, registering 12 points on 44.7% shooting from the field with 7.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
With an impressive resume that includes an NBA championship and a spot on the All-NBA First Team, the 35-year-old could be a competent mentor to help oversee the development of Golden State’s recent No. 2 overall draft pick. At only 19-years-old, James Wiseman could learn from a veteran like Gasol.
Along with being able to knock down an open 3-pointer and the ability to defend the rim, Gasol could provide a level of veteran stability to Golden State’s frontcourt with Wiseman, Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney.
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