Rumor: Knicks to pursue Marc Gasol in free agency next summer

Marc Gasol is trying to avoid talk about his free agency next summer. This is what he told the Memphis Commercial Appeal when asked:

“That’s so far down the line that it’s not on my mind. I just want to do my freaking job every day,” Gasol said. “You never know what might happen in seven or eight months. The franchise might go in a different direction. We’re going to see how we all feel in July. All of the talk now won’t change that fact.”

Good luck with that Marc. Rumors are already out there that the Celtics and Lakers are going to target Gasol and try to lure him out of Memphis. You can now add the Knicks to the mix, according to Ronald Tillery at the Commercial Appeal.

The New York Knicks don’t appear positioned to be a championship contender in the near future. But could that change by pairing Gasol with Carmelo Anthony? There already is a strong belief that Knicks boss Phil Jackson will target Gasol because of his belief that Gasol is the quintessential center to play in the triangle offense.

Gasol would be perfect in that offense. He has the elbow jumper, he can score in the post, he’s a high IQ player and a very good passer. Plus he’s a former Defensive Player of the Year who would be a big upgrade for New York.

Gasol will have options, but in the end he will probably choose not to go anywhere. Memphis remains the front runner.

In theory the Grizzlies and Gasol can start talking extension in December, but under the current CBA his extension can only be for three years, if he becomes a free agent he can get four years from another team or five from Memphis. So he’s not signing.

Which means the rumors are just going to keep on coming.