REPORT: Thunder Emerges As Frontrunner For Gasol

UPDATE: ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports that Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook made a come-to-OKC pitch directly to Pau Gasol today in Los Angeles.

The Thunder weren't expected to be major players in free agency this summer, but a report is indicating Oklahoma City could make one of the biggest splashes. 

ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne is reporting the Thunder are currently considered "the frontrunner" for free agent power forward Pau Gasol, who has been with the Los Angeles Lakers the last seven seasons.

Obviously, there is a lot to be ironed out, most notably the fact Gasol has not made any sort of decision on where he will play next season and beyond. He met with the Lakers on Wednesday, and representatives from Chicago are meeting with him in Los Angeles on Thursday.

On the surface, it would appear to be impossible for Gasol to come to Oklahoma City thanks in large part to the $19 million he made last year with the Lakers. However, Gasol has said he wants to play for a title contender next season, something the Thunder definitely is and the Lakers definitely not.

However, the Lakers can offer Gasol considerably more money than Oklahoma City, so this process is far from over. The amount the Thunder can give to Gasol is probably no more than $5 million, unless other moves, such as a sign-and-trade involving Kendrick Perkins' $9.1 million salary this season, are factored in.

All that to say, this is a very fluid situation and we will keep you updated as more details become available.