TORONTO — Bulls center Pau Gasol took the middle ground regarding last Monday’s firing of Knicks coach Derek Fisher, his former Lakers teammate.
Gasol also is close to Knicks president Phil Jackson, putting the Spanish big man in a tough spot. Gasol said he’s sure there were circumstances for the move as the Knicks were amid a 1-10 slide to fall to 23-32. Gasol also has played under Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis.
“It was unexpected,’’ Gasol said after playing for the Eastern Conference All-Stars late Sunday night. “I don’t think many people saw it coming. I’m sure there were reasons for the organizations to make that decision. You never know what goes on indoors.
“I’m sorry for Derek. I’m sure he would’ve liked to continue to fulfill his five years of his contract. I’m sure he’ll be fine. He’s a strong man. I’m sure he’ll get another opportunity.’’
Though Gasol reportedly is planning to opt out of his current deal and become a free agent, he is in no danger of being shipped at Thursday’s trade deadline. But he is no lock to re-sign with Chicago either.
Gasol is a cultured, big-city guy, and money isn’t his primary concern, which bodes very well for the Knicks, according to a source. Though it’s not a clear position need with Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis, the 2016 free-agent class is not deep, and Gasol represents one of Jackson’s all-time favorite players.
Jackson made a futile bid for Gasol during the summer of 2014, when he could only offer the mini-midlevel exception of $3.5 million. Gasol got a deal starting at close to $8 million with the Bulls, though he turned down bigger deals.
If Jackson makes a play for Gasol to be the perfect mentor to Porzingis, he could attempt to trade Lopez, who has been effective since late December but also will make more than $13 million next season.
The Knicks also could try to clear some cap space at Thursday’s deadline by shipping out power forward Kyle O’Quinn, who was inked for four years and $16 million last summer. Backup center Kevin Seraphin is not under contract for next season.