1. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are entering a period of genuine uncertainty. Tim Duncan will turn 40 years old on April 25, Manu Ginobili will be 39 in July, and David West was signed to a two-year deal with a player option that’s well below his market value.
If either Duncan retires or West departs, it would behoove Pau Gasol to weigh the Spurs as a legitimate option in free agency.
San Antonio does an excellent job of managing minutes, injuries, and the aging process. Gasol, who will turn 36 in July, would benefit from playing in a system that’s not only perfect for his skill set, but values their players’ health and overall morale.
By joining the Spurs, Gasol could both extend his career and compete for a championship.
LaMarcus Aldridge is the franchise big man, Kawhi Leonard is an All-NBA small forward, and Duncan remains one of the best defensive players in the NBA. What Gasol would provide San Antonio with, however, is a borderline elite combination of low-post scoring, rebounding, and facilitating from the center position.
Gasol has lost a step athletically, but his production and quality of play remain on par with some of the best interior players in the NBA.
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It doesn’t get any more ideal than competing for a championship in a system that fits your physical needs and style of play.