Pau Gasol, Dwyane Wade among Cavs' potential targets in free agency

[Lebron23]

Pau Gasol, Dwyane Wade among Cavs' potential targets in free agency

The Cleveland Cavaliers could consider pursuing Pau Gasol and Dwyane Wade in free agency as the defending champs start to reload their lineup for a back-to-back NBA title bid.

The Cavs approach their next step to defending their title next season when the team attempts to pursue free agents this summer.

With the LeBron James expected to remain in Cleveland despite opting out of his $24 million player option with the Cavs, the champs can focus on luring top free agents to join them in another shot at NBA success. According to Brad Weiss of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade are among the free agents the Cavs should pursue this summer.

Gasol, who is set to opt of his three-year $22.3 million with the Bulls to explore free agency, is expected to join contenders in free agency for another shot at a title run. The Cavs, fresh off a historic championship victory, would give the Spaniard the best chance to compete for a title, especially if the team secures James for the next season.

Gasol, who averaged 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game last season for the Bulls, would instantly boost the Cavs' frontcourt with his size and ability to score inside the paint and distribute the ball. However, Gasol has also drawn interests from other teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, who are reportedly making the two-time NBA champs their a "priority" in free agency.

On the other hand, Wade would be a very intriguing acquisition for the Cavs as it would spark yet another potential super team with close buddy LeBron.

Gasol, who is set to opt of his three-year $22.3 million with the Bulls to explore free agency, is expected to join contenders in free agency for another shot at a title run. The Cavs, fresh off a historic championship victory, would give the Spaniard the best chance to compete for a title, especially if the team secures James for the next season.

Gasol, who averaged 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game last season for the Bulls, would instantly boost the Cavs' frontcourt with his size and ability to score inside the paint and distribute the ball. However, Gasol has also drawn interests from other teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, who are reportedly making the two-time NBA champs their a "priority" in free agency.

On the other hand, Wade would be a very intriguing acquisition for the Cavs as it would spark yet another potential super team with close buddy LeBron.

There is certainly a huge chance of James attracting top free agents to come to Cleveland after wheeling the Cavs to their first NBA championship.

Despite displaying flashes of his vintage form last season that helped the Heat to a deep playoff run, Wade is still unlikely to get a max contract, given his aging body. Moreover, Wade's initial talks with the Heat have stalled, forcing him to consider fielding outside offers in July, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

The Heat have the cap space to offer Wade a max deal, but the team's money may be reserved to pursue Kevin Durant or retain Hassan Whiteside, who also seeks a max contract this summer. Other teams would probably show interest in signing Wade, but the Cavs should be his top destination outside of Miami.

With a potential lineup of Wade, James, Irving and Gasol, along with other key free agents, the Cavs have a great chance to repeat as NBA champs. However, Cleveland has a very limited cap space, and would only make such scenario possible if Gasol and Wade take less money and the Cavs trade Kevin Love and some of the players in their core.

Nevertheless, the Cavs could certainly be an attractive destination for free agents this summer. And with James likely staying, it is only a matter of time before the Cavs add one or two stars looking for another chance to win a title.

http://en.yibada.com/articles/136476...#ixzz4DANGKe20

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[ArbitraryWater]

Who is Yibada though?

[Lebron23]

Who is Yibada though?

I really have no Idea.

[SilkkTheShocker]

We aren't getting either of those guys

cavs will re-sign RJ and JR, and pickup some journeyman free agents. Wade is going to want one more big contract. And I don't see Gasol taking the minimum.

[r15mohd]

how interested are the Bulls in getting Love, as that;s the only way Pau can realistically go to Cleveland

also, in getting Wade - going to take some return from the Cavs again, will Miami settle for Shumpert and maybe a 3way trade involving someone like Dunleavy too?


doubt it happens

[tmacattack33]

Not gonna happen. Wade is not gonna handle being the 3rd (or 4th by next year, with another year of decline from Wade) option.

[Meticode]

how interested are the Bulls in getting Love, as that;s the only way Pau can realistically go to Cleveland

also, in getting Wade - going to take some return from the Cavs again, will Miami settle for Shumpert and maybe a 3way trade involving someone like Dunleavy too?


doubt it happens

Love isn't being moved this offseason.

[Fire Colangelo]

We aren't getting either of those guys

cavs will re-sign RJ and JR, and pickup some journeyman free agents. Wade is going to want one more big contract. And I don't see Gasol taking the minimum.

Thought RJ was retiring

[DukeDelonte13]

Pau doesn't make too much sense for Cleveland.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

no way they get either.

[Meticode]

It's a bullshit article posted by a bullshit wanna-be journalist from the Philippines. Also he comes off as a band wagoner on his Twitter.

https://twitter.com/hoopsdontstop30

[Im Still Ballin]

Pau doesn't make too much sense for Cleveland.

How so? He's a skilled center that can pass, score, shoot, and defend the rim

From a price range it probably doesn't make sense, but as far as it? It's a match