Parka Unsure If Gasol Will Return To Heat

The Miami Heat have locked up both Isaiah Thomas and Spencer Hawes to long-term deals early in the Free Agency period, but GM Parka is unsure about the team's remaining significant free agent.

"I'm not sure what he's thinking right now," Parka said. "I'd say he's had a near perfect career so for, with a great balance of making money, gaining accolades, and winning championships."

The 33-year-old big man has been a big part of the team's success the past two seasons.

"Now the question is where you go from here," Parka said. "Is earning a few more million before you retire really that important? Or do you extend your legacy with more rings while playing a significant role? I don't know, he has a great opportunity and is catching up to All-Time greats right now, but that's on him, it's not for me to say what he should or shouldn't do, whether he should take money or not."

Gasol, in his 13-year career, has won four championships, just as many as Tim Duncan and one behind Kobe Bryant among active players.

Parka is remaining hopeful that the team's starting big man will return.

"Obviously, we want him to return," Parka said. "What we don't know is what he values at this point in his career."

The 33-year-old big man reportedly has more lucrative offers than the Heat's on the table.

"He'll make the best choice for himself," Parka said. "We just hope that that choice is to remain with us."

I would love to add a player like Gasol to my team but definitely do not think I can afford a payer of his magnitude even at his advanced age.

The guy has won like 5 or 6 rings in his career at this point. There's not much reason to return to ring chase again just to get another, unless Miami offers him just as much as the other teams.

Jake0890 (MIN) wrote:The guy has won like 5 or 6 rings in his career at this point. There's not much reason to return to ring chase again just to get another, unless Miami offers him just as much as the other teams.

He has 4. But perhaps, his player card says that might not mean too much to him.

interesting to see what happens there

Just noticed that Miami PF/C duo now changed from Gasol/Chandler to Randolph/Hawes so not sure if this is going in the right direction there, especially with Splitter gone