As we expeted, the LeBron James saga has ended, and the free agency news will heat up as well. And that is where we start our latest gossip column.
GASOL TO BULLS
Spanish international Pau Gasol will be a Chicago Bulls player next season after he signed a contract as a free agent.
Gasol spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning two titles in the process.
This signing looks to be the end of forward Carlos Boozer, as the Bulls currently do not have salary-cap space, so they will have to make roster moves to free room to add Gasol. Boozer, who is on $16.8million will be released via the amnesty provision.
Gasol tweeted: “It hasn’t been easy. After meditating it a lot I’ve chosen to play with the Chicago Bulls. Looking forward to this new chapter of my career.”
CARMELO TO STAY IN NEW YORK?
It hasn’t been confirmed yet but it is highly likely that Carmelo Anthony will return to the New York Knicks on a five-year deal.
The amount hasn’t been reported, but it looks like Phil Jackson and all Knicks fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
WADE AND BOSH TO STAY IN MIAMI (TO BE JOINED BY DENG?)
With Chris Bosh close to re-signing for Miami Heat, ESPN are reporting that Dwayne Wade will return and that they are finalising a deal to bring Luol Deng to South Beach.
Sources say that the deal for Deng is close to the region of $20million on a two-year contract.
WADE: LEBRON MADE RIGHT MOVE
Free agent Dwayne Wade had said that former team-mate LeBron James made the right choice – but is sad to see him go.
“As a friend and a teammate, I am sad to see my brother LeBron leave to begin a new journey,” Wade’s statement said. “In 2010, we decided to come together all for one goal – to win championships and we succeeded. We were friends when we first joined the league and created an unbreakable bond the past four years. Our collaboration will always be very special to me both personally and professionally.
“We shared something unique and he will always be part of my family. LeBron made the right decision for himself and his family because home is where your heart is. I know this was not an easy decision to make and I support him in returning to his roots. As an organization, a community, and as individuals, we achieved the goals we set when we first signed on together. We are champions.”
