Apr 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) shoots against Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats’ biggest weakness, both offensively and defensively, is their frontcourt. Hoops Stats ranks the Bobcats last in frontcourt points and in efficiency differential. With over $20 million projected in cap space, it’s widely assumed the Bobcats will look to upgrade their bigs in the offseason. They could increase their cap space by using the amnesty provision on Tyrus Thomas, who’s owed $8.69 million next season.

The Bobcats could pursue big men like Josh Smith, Andrew Bynum, or Al Jefferson in free agency. They would all likely require a hefty long-term commitment to spend the prime of their careers in a rebuilding process. The trade market is another option, if the Bobcats want to re-assess what it would take to acquire a talent like DeMarcus Cousins.

An alternative that’s seldomly discussed is the amnesty provision system. Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times writes that the Los Angeles Lakers would have to consider amnestying forward Pau Gasol to avoid a bloated luxury tax bill. The Lakers want to re-sign Dwight Howard to a maximum contract, which would further boost their salary. The Lakers potentially face a $100 million payroll next season, and Bresnahan writes their luxury tax obligation would bloat to about $85 million.

Though the Lakers have been free-spending in the past, the new collective bargaining agreement is designed to curb the NBA’s highest spenders.  Gasol has struggled the last few seasons and has looked like the odd man out in Hollywood. He’s in line to make $19 million next season in the final year of his contract, a number many suspect is too large to deal and wouldn’t provide salary relief.

Amnestying Gasol would save the Lakers upwards to $60 million in luxury tax expenses. However, which ever team scoops Gasol via the amnesty bidding system, would slash that number significantly. If amnestied, the Bobcats are in prime position to make a high bid to snatch Gasol. Different from the NBA’s waiver system, amnestied players are awarded to the team who submits the highest offer. Only teams who are under the cap can make a bid.

Gasol turns 33 this offseason. While his numbers have dropped next to high-volume scoring centers, the Bobcats could give Gasol the touches and position to pick his production back up. Even with Gasol on decline, at the bare minimum he’s still an above-average power forward. Gasol would provide legitimacy and a recognizable NBA name that fans can get behind on a young and inexperienced Bobcats roster.

The Bobcats would likely have to make a very high bid to get Gasol. It’s unlikely any team will opt to make a full claim of Gasol’s $19 million salary. But he could stand to get a bid of anywhere from $10-13 million, maybe a bit more. Despite his age, Gasol would be a player the Bobcats could take on for the 2013-14 season and beyond. Every rebuilding process needs a quality veteran and Gasol would be a big step in competing for a playoff spot earlier than expected.

While the Bobcats brass is contemplating whether a name change back to the Charlotte Hornets would get fans to come out and support the tea, acquiring a talent like Gasol would require no contemplation. The downside is marginal and the Bobcats have everything to gain from getting the post-savvy Spainard.

December 26, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a popular daytime television show enjoyed my many Baby Boomers, as well as Wayne Brady fans, across America.

Let’s Make A Deal has provided everyone through the years with laughter and enjoyment as people dressed in goofy attire hope to win big by risking what they have on various games of chance.  It’s about time Charlotte got in on the fun.

I’m all for Charlotte continuing to improve through the NBA Draft as the team continues to follow GM Rich Cho’s idea of growing together to form a powerhouse out of the Southeast Division.  Yet I can’t stand the idea of watching missed opportunities for the Cats to get something in return with so many expiring contracts still on the books.

Currently, Charlotte has four players under contract in the last year of their respective deals, and the odds are against all of them for making a return to the team next year (SG Gerald Henderson, SF Reggie Williams, PF/C Byron Mullens, C DeSagana Diop).  While all players can add something to any team in the league (slashing, defensive guard; 3-point specialist on the wing; big-man who stretches the floor; big-man who clogs the lane and eats up minutes), none have shown major offensive improvements this season for a team that sorely needs them.  Mullens is the only one of the four to improve his shooting numbers throughout this season (11.6 ppg as opposed to 9.3 ppg); however, his field-goal percentage has taken an unfortunate dip in the process (.425% to .371%).

With this in mind, it’s time Charlotte started shopping these players in the hopes of getting draft picks in return, or other players with expiring contracts that better fit Charlotte’s new team motto of “Tougher Faster Stronger” than the current group of players with one-year-remaining contracts.

Yet trading one-year players for other one-year players seems slightly insignificant if Charlotte is to actually try to build for the future; simply replacing athletes for another four months won’t help the team beyond May.  Instead, it’s time the good men of the Bobcats’ front office made a run at a legitimate powerhouse player.

A player who can help Charlotte to fulfill the team motto of “Tougher Faster Stronger”.

A player who can bring experience to a young team, and who’s under contract for at least the next two seasons.

A player whose trade stock has plummeted as of late, making now one of the only times Charlotte could make a significant run at him.

Ladies and gentleman, your newest Charlotte Bobcat: Pau Gasol.

Gasol brings everything Charlotte finds themselves without: experience (regular season and playoff), size, strength, rebounding skills, and an offensive post game.  Also, after underperforming alongside of Dwight for most of the season (career worst 12.2 ppg, .416% from the field) and coming back from a recent concussion he suffered, Gasol’s trade stock has never been lower, making it the perfect time for Michael Jordan & Co. to act.  In the meantime, Charlotte can send one of several packages back Los Angeles’ way that would help the Lakers make a run at the playoffs.

Henderson, Williams, Mullens & Diop: Henderson and Williams would be decent bench options off the bench to allow Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace some well deserved rest.  Meanwhile, Mullens could play the power forward position and do what he does best; step out of the paint and shoot jumpers.  This will allow Dwight Howard to roam around freely in the paint, and Mullens the opportunity to pull the trigger without hesitation.  Diop would also prove to helpful in allowing Howard plenty of rest as he continues to try and recuperate from his early season back problems.

Henderson/Mullens, Diop & Tyrus Thomas: Now this is the deal I’m sure most Charlotte fans wouldn’t mind seeing happen.  While some may not care for the inclusion of Henderson and/or Mullens in any of these scenarios, this last one allows for the Cats to shed Thomas’ horrible contract and rid themselves of the mistake that was made one too many losses ago.  Thomas would also allow the Lakers to continue to rest their current big men in their rotation, such as Howard, rookie Robert Sacre, and the veteran Antawn Jamison.

While none of these deals will probably be complete without a few exchanged draft picks (something ESPN’s Trade Machine fails to simulate), it’s about time Charlotte made some moves.

It’s time to make a deal.  Let’s just hope that Charlotte doesn’t get Zonked in the process.