Minnesota Timberwolves were all in for Pau Gasol

MINNEAPOLIS, July 5 (UPI) — Before Pau Gasol agreed to join Gregg Popovich in Texas, the Minnesota Timberwolves played its best hand.

On Sunday, ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported: “T-Wolves made aggressive 2-year offer to free agent Pau Gasol to reunite him with coach Thibs, source said. Keep eye on Blazers & Spurs, too.”

The team met with Gasol Friday. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that his market was between $18 million and $22 million annually.

On Monday, The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Gasol agreed to a $30 million deal with the Spurs, taking less money at $15 million annually.

Gasol and coach Tom Thibodeau joined forces for one season with the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 16.5 points and 11 rebounds per game last season.