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NBA Free Agency: Top 10 2016 Free Agents

By Ryan Blackburn

Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol has had an incredible career to this point, and while his mobility is starting to run its course, he’s as effective as ever being a focal point of an offense. He finished the year averaging 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game, amazing numbers for a basketball player, let alone a 35-year-old.

He will always have questions about his age and whether he can still play, but that should only affect the length of his contract, and the per year salary would remain largely the same. He’s a player that will likely command $15 million to $20 million per season, and a two-year, $35 million contract sounds about right for a player with his skill.

The situation in Chicago has gotten ugly though, and the Bulls will have to prove that they are ready to start winning again if Gasol is going to return. There are plenty of teams that could pay for his services, including the Miami Heat.

The team from South Beach was rumored to be exploring a trade centered around Hassan Whiteside and Gasol at the trade deadline and Gasol fits around the timeline of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh while providing effectiveness at a position of need.

Another team that could interest him? The San Antonio Spurs.

That’s quite an endorsement from a division rival. Marc Gasol certainly knows what he’s taking about at this stage in his career, having played against the Spurs on countless occasions. Imagine for me that Tim Duncan retires after this season. The perfect way to replace him would be Pau Gasol, another solid defender who can add a dynamic offensively.

This is a classic case of the rich getting richer, but it would make sense for both parties involved to explore a deal.

Next: Number 8