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As July 1st and the NBA's free agency period approach, the Atlanta Hawks have been linked to yet another potentially high priced free agent. In addition to rumors swirling around Greg Monroe, the Hawks are reportedly in the market for the services of a skilled big man, as ESPN's Ramona Shelburne brings word that Atlanta could be looking at former Lakers big man Pau Gasol.
Add two teams to the expected Pau Gasol market: Phoenix and Atlanta. Lakers, Knicks, Bulls, Mavs, Rockets all expected to pursue.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 1, 2014
The now 33-year-old Gasol has not been a player that Atlanta has been discussed with in the past, but from an organizational "fit" perspective, he would seemingly be a piece that the Ferry-Budenholzer duo would desire. Despite his advancing age, Gasol is extremely skilled, especially on the offensive end, and he would seemingly thrive in a system that allows for freedom of movement and high-level passing.
However, with Al Horford and Paul Millsap already in place (and new first round pick Adreian Payne on the way), there isn't an obvious place for Gasol, and that is where the issues begin. At this point, it would be hard to envision Pau Gasol taking a mid-market contract in search of latching on with a winner, and as Shelburne notes, there will be no shortage of suitors for his services after he put together a season where he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game in an ugly situation.
As long as both Horford and Millsap are under contract with the Hawks, Pau Gasol will likely be a pipe dream, and as always, let us all remember that the Atlanta Hawks don't have leaks in the front office. Approach with caution.