Pau Gasol: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Bulls Star's Future

Chicago Bulls big man Pau Gasol can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines a modest $7.7 million player option for next season, but his current employer may not be interested in a reunion if he makes that choice.   

Continue for updates. 

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Marc Gasol Comments on Brother's Future in Chicago

Monday, April 25

"If I had to guess—not that I've talked to him about it—would be San Antonio," Marc Gasol told reporters when asked about Pau Gasol's future ahead of the offseason.

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Bulls Reportedly Shifting Focus to Noah

Friday, April 8

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported the Bulls appear to be prioritizing retaining Joakim Noah instead of Gasol:

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And the biggest reason [Gasol] and the Bulls appear headed for a split in free agency has less to do with Gasol and more to do with [Noah].

Though front-office meetings have yet to finalize the Bulls' Plan A for this offseason, there is strong internal desire to re-sign Noah on a short-term deal. Noah long has been a favorite player and ambassador of Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Executive vice president John Paxson drafted Noah, and their bond is genuine.

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Gasol, Bulls Weighing Options

Friday, April 1

Citing sources, the Johnson reported "the Bulls are softening on the public stance general manager Gar Forman issued at the trade deadline that Gasol 'is part of the core,' not to mention Gasol is open-minded to entertaining rival offers."

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Chicago May Not be Long-Term Fit for Gasol

Although Gasol performed well statistically—he was one of three players along with Andre Drummond and DeMarcus Cousins averaging at least 16 points and 11 rebounds this season—but this campaign hasn't been without issues for the big man and the Bulls. 

In the midst of Chicago's tumble down the Eastern Conference standings, which ultimately found the franchise outside of the postseason, Gasol expressed frustration with the Bulls' inconsistent effort, according to ESPN.com's Nick Friedell: "At the end of the day you have to bring it on the floor. And there's too many breakdowns. I feel there's some times where it's just [we] just lift the foot off the pedal and we're not disciplined enough at times."

Gasol was also reportedly shopped at the trade deadline, but the Bulls opted to stand pat, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski and Chris Mannix.

A two-time champion who will turn 36 years old this summer, Gasol will need to ponder which teams present him with the best opportunity to capture another title before he calls it a career.

The Bulls have failed to meet expectations during each of Gasol's two seasons in the Windy City, and re-signing with the Central Division squad would require patience he simply doesn't have as he approaches the start of a 15th NBA season. 

Contract information courtesy of Spotrac. Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.