NBA Free Agents 2014: Pau Gasol Returning To Lakers After D'Antoni Resignation? Memphis Or Chicago Bulls Possible Destinations

The NBA Free Agents have already begun looking around. There is a record number of free agents and a record number of teams with cap space. There will be a lot of changes, but will Pau Gasol be one of those?

Gasol has been very vocal about his criticism on Lakers' coach Mike D'Antoni-even going as far as saying he will not return to the Lakers if D'Antoni were the coach. All signs pointed to LA bringing D'Antoni back, until today.

A report from ESPN stated that the coach as already resigned. The official report culled from the team announcement:

"D'Antoni stepped down after the Lakers refused to pick up the second year of his contract last week, according to two sources. During conversations with the team over the past two weeks, D'Antoni had asked them to pick up the team option on the fourth year of his deal, according to sources.

D'Antoni had one year remaining on his deal at $4 million. The Lakers held a $4 million team option on him for 2015-16.

 Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak gave the customary farewell statement."Given the circumstances, I don't know that anybody could have done a better job than Mike did the past two seasons "On behalf of the Lakers, we thank Mike for the work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude that he brought to the team every day. We wish him the best of luck."

This development bodes well for Gasol. While the Lakers have more space in their salary cap, it's still difficult to find a better-skilled big man than Pau Gasol.

Which is why he has other options. From NBC, a quote from an unnamed Eastern Conference executive: "There are a couple thoughts out there on Pau. Some people say he is worn out, that he is too far past his prime to really help a contender. There are others that think that LA, that environment the past two season, that style of play has destroyed him and if he goes somewhere else, plays with a different coach, he might be rejuvenated. I could see someone who thinks the latter paying him $10 million a year."

Gasol narrows it down: "I want to be in a team that is going to be built to win a championship. That's my top priority. Money won't be the main priority. Length and money are factors, but we'll see. Until I know all the options, I won't be able to measure them. But we're getting close to the end of my career. I want to be in a good situation. It's an important decision to make."

The Memphis Grizzlies, headlined by his younger brother Marc, has shown interest and they could have the cap space if Zach Randolph opts out and becomes a free agent.