Pau Gasol has confirmed that he will sign a contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
The 7ft center from Barcelona said he was “looking forward to this new chapter with the best aspirations” in a tweet on Tuesday.
After many days of a lot of thinking, I've decided to join the @spurs!Looking forward to this new chapter with the best aspirations!
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 5, 2016
A league source has indicated Gasol’s deal is for two years and worth upwards of $30m.
The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski was first to report the news of the contract, which is said to include a player option in the second year. The Spurs reportedly outbid the Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors for Gasol’s services.
The six-time NBA All-Star, who turns 36 on Wednesday, signed with the Chicago Bulls to great fanfare during the summer of 2014. While he made two All-Star appearances in two seasons in Chicago, the Bulls regressed to a 42-40 finish this year and missed the play-offs.
Hall of Fame center David Robinson, who played the entirety of his 14-year professional career with the Spurs, welcomed Gasol to the club with a tweet on Monday night.
Welcome @paugasol to the @spurs family. The best organization in sports. You'll fit right in. #GoSpursGo
— David Robinson (@DavidtheAdmiral) July 5, 2016
Gasol has averaged 18.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots in a 15-year NBA career that’s included stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers and Bulls. He won championships with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010.
The two-time Olympic silver medallist confirmed last week his desire to play in his fourth Games this summer after months of wavering due to concerns over the Zika virus.
