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Marc Gasol should be an option for the Golden State Warriors in free agency

By Nathan Beighle

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 08, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 08, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors need to improve in free agency, and Marc Gasol, a veteran center, could be the quintessential addition.

The conversation has started around Marc Gasol, and it’s one that the Golden State Warriors should have this offseason. After all, they’ll have both their Andre Iguodala-created trade exception and their MLE to work with.

The former can be split up, so, if used, Gasol could be looking at a bit more than the MLE which ranges from around $5-6 million. That said, Gasol is currently playing for the Raptors and could give the Warriors’ frontcourt much-needed depth.

Let me be clear — Gasol is not a long-term option; he is 35..

That’s the biggest downfall about the situation is that he’s going to be coming to the Bay Area to help them win a ring, and after helping defeat the Warriors with the Raptors last season, they saw first hand how his leadership and defense can impact a franchise.

It should also be noted that Gasol has vastly improved as a shooter over the last few seasons. The 35-year-old shot 66 threes through the first eight years of his career. That ninth year is when it all changed. He took over 200 threes and made it a consistent part of his offensive arsenal.

This season, Gasol is shooting over 40% from downtown and made 1.4 threes per game, and that’s certainly nothing to scoff at. He could be the perfect player in their frontcourt since he can space the floor efficiently.

Let’s not forget that Gasol was the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 as well.

While they could bargain for the price, getting Gasol to the Bay Area will be very important. He has all the intangibles to make an instant impact, and a lasting one too as he’ll likely be able to mentor young guns like Marquese Chriss and Kevon Looney.

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The Warriors will be looking for a high-impact addition. It doesn’t have to be a superstar addition like Kevin Durant was in 2016. Gasol is the ideal player to come in and perfectly with this roster.

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