5 Possible Destinations For Pau Gasol In 2016 NBA Free Agency

The Chicago Bulls are in line to miss the playoffs this year, which could set up an offseason of roster turnover. Pau Gasol is one player who seems sure to be elsewhere next season, with an opt-out for the final year of his contract that all indications are he will exercise.

Once free agency starts this summer, here are five potential landing spots for Gasol.

5. Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings Getty Images
The Kings were rumored to have interest in trading for Gasol at February's deadline, so that pursuit could easily be renewed this summer. The bigger question is if Gasol would want to join the ongoing dysfunction in Sacramento.

The Kings were rumored to have interest in trading for Gasol at February's deadline, so that pursuit could easily be renewed this summer. The bigger question is if Gasol would want to join the ongoing dysfunction in Sacramento.

4. Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic Getty Images
Orlando is in a bit of mediocre limbo, as they're not bad enough (34-45 this season) to get a high lottery pick and also not a serious Eastern Conference contender. Signing Gasol would not be a splashy move on its own, but it could fit as part of a bigger offseason plan for the Magic.

Orlando is in a bit of mediocre limbo, as they're not bad enough (34-45 this season) to get a high lottery pick and also not a serious Eastern Conference contender. Signing Gasol would not be a splashy move on its own, but it could fit as part of a bigger offseason plan for the Magic.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves Getty Images
The Timberwolves could finally be a destination for free agents, with a group of young talent already in place and another lottery pick set to join the fold this year. Add in a chance to play with countryman Ricky Rubio and Minnesota could appeal to Gasol.

The Timberwolves could finally be a destination for free agents, with a group of young talent already in place and another lottery pick set to join the fold this year. Add in a chance to play with countryman Ricky Rubio and Minnesota could appeal to Gasol.

2. Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers Andy Lyons Getty Images
The Trail Blazers have one of the NBA's best backcourts, but they could use frontcourt help to take some offensive load off Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Gasol would absolutely help that cause, and his passing ability could really open up Portland's offense.

The Trail Blazers have one of the NBA's best backcourts, but they could use frontcourt help to take some offensive load off Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Gasol would absolutely help that cause, and his passing ability could really open up Portland's offense.

1. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks Kevin C. Cox Getty Images
Atlanta may lose Al Horford in free agency, which would put them in the market for a big man. Gasol would obviously fit that bill, and the Hawks would fit his potential desire to join a playoff-caliber team.

Atlanta may lose Al Horford in free agency, which would put them in the market for a big man. Gasol would obviously fit that bill, and the Hawks would fit his potential desire to join a playoff-caliber team.

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