Earlier this week, the team took their first step to returning to glory, at the 2014 NBA draft, as former University of Kentucky Wildcat Julius Randle slipped to No. 7, providing Mitch Kupchak with his power forward of the present and future.
But, as one promising young asset enters the fold, a one-time franchise cornerstone seems to be preparing to exit, as Pau Gasol's time in L.A. may be finished within a matter of days.
Per ESPN's Marc Stein, the New York Knicks are preparing to take a run at the four-time All-Star, lead by Phil Jackson, the man who coached Gasol to a pair of NBA titles with the Lakers.
And there's a possibility that the Spaniard's arrival would serve as a pivotal factor in convincing Carmelo Anthony to stay with the Knicks.
Sources told ESPN.com that Knicks officials, while not willing to trumpet it publicly with free agency fast approaching, are quietly confident about their odds of retaining Anthony thanks in part to the idea that new team president Phil Jackson and the high-scoring forward have "connected" to some degree.
Furthermore, one source close to the process told ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne that Jackson is planning to make a determined attempt to try to recruit his former Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol to replace the freshly traded Tyson Chandler alongside Anthony on the Knicks' front line, despite the fact New York is limited to offering Gasol less than $4 million for next season.
Obviously, there are some stumbling blocks here, such as the limited financial flexibility the Knicks have to offer Gasol, but, at least in theory, this move makes sense for all parties involved.
For the Knicks, it would give the team a big man to fill the void created by the departure of Tyson Chandler,...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
