NBA Rumors: Timberwolves Wise to Go All out for Lakers' Pau Gasol
If the Minnesota Timberwolves know what's best for the future of their franchise, then they will go all out to acquire Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol this summer.
According to a report by the Associated Press on Friday night, "the Timberwolves are trying hard to land Pau Gasol" and would even consider trading away their No. 2 overall pick from one year ago, Derrick Williams.
But sacrificing the future for the present makes perfect sense for the Timberwolves, who haven't been to the playoffs since Kevin Garnett was the face of the franchise back in 2004.
Teaming a veteran big man and experienced NBA champion with promising young talents Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love is a can't-miss opportunity for Minnesota, especially as Rubio and Gasol share a solid relationship as teammates on the Spanish National Team.
According to the Associated Press report, Timberwolves general manager David Kahn has said that only two players (Rubio and Love) on Minnesota's roster are "untouchable." That means that there will be money available to withstand Gasol's mega contract.
The Spaniard is set to make $38 million over the next two seasons of his contract.
Gasol will turn 32 this July, but is coming off a season in which he averaged a double-double for the Lakers; 17.4 PPG and 10.4 RPG. The seven-footer missed just one game during the regular season and shot 50 percent from the field and 78 percent from the foul line.
Meanwhile Williams, who would likely be included in the Timberwolves' trade package, is 11 years younger than Gasol and only one season into what looked to be a promising NBA career last summer. Williams struggled to find a rhythm last season with Minnesota, however, averaging just 8.8 points per game on 41 percent shooting from the field.
There is no denying that Gasol is a much more efficient player than Williams and someone who can carry the load offensively alongside Love on a given night.
If Minnesota can land Gasol, it would instantly boast one of the league's most dominant frontcourts and pick-and-roll duos considering that there is already chemistry between Rubio and Gasol.
Although the Timberwolves will have to give up a great deal in exchange for Gasol, going all out for the veteran forward is Minnesota's only hope and best shot at contending in 2012-13.
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