Pau Gasol Contract: Latest News and Rumors on Negotiations with Bulls
Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol is set to be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season, which will end a three-year, $22.34 million contract, according to Spotrac.
Continue for updates.
Forman Comments on Gasol
Thursday, Feb. 18
"We see him as a big piece of what we're doing today and in the future," said Bulls general manager Gar Forman when asked about Gasol, per Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago after Thursday's trade deadline had passed.
Gasol Comments on Future in Chicago
Thursday, Feb. 18
When asked if the Bulls were front-runners to re-sign him in free agency this summer, Gasol told reporters, "For sure."
Gasol Interested in Bulls Extension
Wednesday, Feb. 17
The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Gasol would rather sign an extension with the Bulls than be traded before Thursday's deadline.
On Jan. 27, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that the Bulls seem more interested in re-signing Gasol than trading him.
Gasol Consistent Contributor for Bulls
The 35-year-old, who is in his 15th season in the NBA, continues to put up consistent numbers during his second year in Chicago.
Appearing and starting in 49 of the Bulls' first 52 games, Gasol is averaging 17.0 points and 10.9 rebounds per game as the starting center.
He's been a vital member of head coach Fred Hoiberg's unit, providing a veteran presence to a Bulls frontcourt that includes youngsters such as Nikola Mirotic and Tony Snell, both of whom are 24 years old.
Hoiberg said, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times: "Pau has been unbelievable. Again, I talk about Pau’s basketball IQ all the time. I truly think he’s one of the smartest players in this league, and he’s always coming over, he’s giving us suggestions on what we can do."
That intelligence has helped the Bulls climb to fourth place in the Eastern Conference, and they'll need Gasol even more now that they've lost Joakim Noah for four to six months to a shoulder injury.
Despite Gasol's output, though, some people, such as Friedell, believe the Bulls should shop the veteran who has provided such a lift to the team.
"If Joakim Noah's likely season-ending left shoulder injury has taught the Bulls' front office anything in recent days, it should be that every minute Gasol is on the floor represents a stock that could bottom out at any time," Friedell wrote. "Gasol is a luxury that the Bulls no longer need."
However, Gasol has something that many of the Bulls are lacking, and that's championship experience. Given Gasol's two rings as a Los Angeles Laker, having him on the floor in big-time situations could prove invaluable in the postseason.
That's what Bulls management could be thinking in its reported desire to re-sign the 7-footer. As long as the price is right and he is still able to produce as he enters the twilight of his career, bringing back Gasol isn't such a bad idea.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.
