Pau Gasol set to join Milwaukee Bucks
Saturday 2 March 2019 07:48, UK
Veteran center Pau Gasol is set to join the Milwaukee Bucks after agreeing a contract buyout with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
Having joined the Spurs as a free agent in the summer of 2016, Gasol had seen his role with the team severely reduced after returning in late December from a two-month absence caused by stress fracture in his foot.
The 38-year-old intends to sign with the Eastern Conference-leading Bucks, where he will be used as a backup to starting center Brook Lopez, according to ESPN.
"Today, I bid farewell to @spurs," Gasol wrote on Twitter on Friday.
"It's been a dream to play for 1 of most storied franchises in @NBA history, an honor to be part of Spurs family.
"To all the staff, my teammates, the coaches, RC, Pop and, above all, the fans, thank you for making this place so special. #GoSpursGo!"
Gasol played in 168 games over parts of three seasons with San Antonio, averaging 10.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
"Pau Gasol is an exceptional individual and the ultimate professional," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.
"We are grateful for his contributions on the court, in the locker room and in our community."
Gasol is averaging career lows of 4.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in 27 games this season, but is expected to provide valuable experience for a young Bucks squad that is expected to go deep into the post-season.
The Spaniard has career averages of 17.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in 18 NBA seasons and was a member of two NBA title teams with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Bucks own the NBA's best record and defeated LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night to claim their seventh straight victory and improve to 48-14 for the season.
