Pau Gasol signed with the San Antonio Spurs this offseason on a two-year, $30 million deal. Gasol also considered signing with the Spurs in 2014 but instead chose the Chicago Bulls.

“Two years ago I declined the option of going to the Spurs," said Gasol. "Now it was the right time to go to San Antonio. (Gregg) Popovich has he told me that I will contribute a lot and along with LaMarcus Aldridge, without Tim Duncan any more, I will be one of the leaders of the team in the front line.”

Gasol also said the odds of him finishing his career with Barcelona have been reduced as he continues his NBA career into his late 30s.

“While still playing in the NBA, my chances of returning to FC Barcelona are reduced," said Gasol. "It’s a nice idea, but becoming less and less possible. My hope of playing for the national team remains the same, evaluating it year by year and analyzing how my body adapts to the workload.”