It appears that NBA veteran Pau Gasol will finish his illustrious career in the same place where he started it. According to EuroHoops’ Niko Svarlas, Gasol agreed to join the Spanish side Barcelona on a one-year deal for the next season.
A couple of months ago, Gasol told the media that he would like to play one more season, eyeing Los Angeles Lakers and Barca as his potential destinations. The 40-year-old center then hopes to play for Spain on the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year before retiring.
Svarlas reports that Gasol and Barca now only have few minor details to sort out, and will officially finalize it later this summer.
During his first stint with Barcelona, between 1998 and 2001, Pau Gasol won two Spanish League titles and was Spanish League Finals MVP in 2001. Gasol then entered the 2001 NBA Draft, where he was selected third overall by Atlanta Hawks before being traded to Memphis Grizzlies on the draft night.
After establishing himself as an All-Star player in Memphis, Gasol was traded to the Lakers in 2008 and went on to help the team win two NBA titles. He also played with Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks.
During his 18 seasons in NBA, Gasol averaged 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. He also has six All-Star appearances and four All-NBA selections.
