The NBA world is in shock since it was revealed on Friday that Kyrie Irving has requested to be traded away from the Cavaliers. Kyrie made it be known that he wants a bigger role, and no longer wants to play alongside LeBron James at this point in his career. Kyrie named the San Antonio Spurs as one his preferred destinations if he gets traded eventually.
Surely it would be a great situation for any player in the NBA, to play alongside Kawhi Leonard and to be coached by Gregg Popovich. The Spurs are one of the premier franchises in all of the sports, and over the past few years, they've always been at the top of the NBA.
They got swept last season in the Western Conference Finals, and this summer they are trying to improve and make some roster changes. On Friday night it was reported that they re-signed a key, veteran player from last season.
Gasol stays in San Antonio
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that the San Antonio Spurs and Pau Gasol have reached an agreement on a three-year deal. Earlier this summer Gasol declined his $16.2 million option for the 2017-18 season and became a free-agent.
By declining his player option for the next season, Gasol allowed the Spurs to maybe sign another marquee free-agent this summer. It is still unknown how much will Gasol's new deal with the Spurs be worth but the third year will be partially guaranteed, according to Wojnarowski.
This Just In: Pau Gasol has agreed on a three-year deal to return to the Spurs, league sources tell @wojespn. https://t.co/l89TjMxWFc pic.twitter.com/dIuVq9xaCo
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) 21. srpnja 2017.
Gasol is a 16-year NBA veteran, with championship pedigree and he's just what the Spurs need. He's a true professional who knows his role.
Gasol played 64 games for the Spurs last season and averaged 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. His 12.4 points per game last season was the lowest of his career. The seven-foot center from Spain has won two NBA titles in his career, both with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gasol made the All-Star team six times in his career, and holds career averages of 17.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
He turned 37 just a couple of days ago, and it is more than likely that he will end his career after the 2017/2018 season.
The Wizards lock up Wall with a new deal
TNT's David Aldridge reported on Saturday that the Washington Wizards have signed a new, four-year deal with their All-Star point guard John Wall. Wall still has two more years remaining on his current contract with the Wizards, but he has agreed to sign a four-year extension worth $170 million.
As @daldridgetnt reported, Wall agreed to a three-year, $170M extension. Deal begins in 2019. https://t.co/l6R26m1xgH
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) 22. srpnja 2017.
Washington drafted the 6-foot-4 point guard as the number one overall pick in 2010, and he has spent all of his seven seasons with the Wizards. Wall averaged a career-high 23.1 points per game last season, and also a career-high 10.7 assists per game.
