The Timberwolves reportedly made attempts to acquire Pau Gasol earlier in the 2011/12 season, and it appears the team's pursuit of the Lakers big man will continue into the offseason. Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press reports (link via Yahoo! Sports) that when the T-Wolves offered Derrick Williams to Charlotte for the No. 2 pick, it would have been part of a bigger move to land Gasol. While that deal didn't happen, Minnesota is expected to keep trying to acquire the Spaniard this summer, says Krawczynski.
We heard earlier in the week that the Lakers were "very open" to deals involving Gasol and were shopping him in trade talks, with the Hawks and Rockets among the rumored suitors. However, Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio reported yesterday that a trade during the free agent period was more likely than a deal on draft night.
With Gasol slated to earn over $38MM in the next two years, the Lakers figure to explore every possible avenue in an effort to move him for more affordable assets. Williams, last year's second overall pick, could qualify. His 2012/13 salary, about $4.81MM, is about a quarter of Gasol's $19MM figure.
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