Pau Gasol declined offer to join Spurs 2 years ago

The slot in the San Antonio Spurs' frontcourt previously filled by franchise big Tim Duncan will now be occupied by veteran Pau Gasol, who joined the franchise on a two-year contract this summer worth in excess of $30 million.

However, a few years back, the opportunity to play alongside The Big Fundamental was there for the taking, but Gasol ultimately decided to pass in order to sign with the Chicago Bulls.

"Two years ago, I declined the option of going to the Spurs. Now it was the right time to go to San Antonio," the Spaniard said at a recent sponsorship event overseas, according to Eurohoops.net.

"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."

The now 36-year-old opted out of his three-year, $22-million deal with the Bulls in order to hit unrestricted free agency, which is how he wound up in the Lone Star State.

He made two All-Star appearances during his stint with Chicago, averaging 17.6 points on 48.3 percent shooting, along with 11 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and two rejections in 31. 8 minutes per game.

The roster was ravaged with injuries during the 2015-16 regular season, with Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler, and Nikola Mirotic all missing 15 or more outings.

In fact, Gasol was one of only three players to suit up for at least 70 games, a startling fact that helps explain why Chicago missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2007-08.

Gasol continues to prove during his later years that he ages like a fine wine, and in San Antonio, Popovich will surely conjure up ways to help the 7-footer maintain his consistency in his new role.

Sure, the Spurs will miss Duncan's defensive presence - something Gasol will struggle to compensate for - in the paint, but on offense, there should be no question that he'll bring much to the table in tandem with Aldridge.