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Free-agent Pau Gasol eager to return next season

Free-agent center Pau Gasol is looking to return to the NBA after a stress fracture in his left foot cut his 2018-19 season short.

"My recovery from surgery has been smooth, and I expect to be fully cleared for basketball activities in August," Gasol told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "I cannot wait to start training again."

Gasol, who turns 39 on July 6, joined the Milwaukee Bucks after reaching a buyout agreement with the San Antonio Spurs in March. He played only three games for the Bucks before undergoing surgery to repair a navicular stress fracture in his left foot.

Gasol averaged a career-low 3.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 30 games this season.