Pau Gasol To Chicago Confirmed! Deal Being Finalized For Spaniard To Join Bulls And Become Contender In The East!

The truth is, the Chicago Bulls did not really have to do anything drastic if Derrick Rose comes back as his old explosive self. They needed Carmelo Anthony in case he didn't. Now, they have exactly what they needed-low post scoring from a player that does not clash with their philosophy.

The news was officially confirmed by a tweet from Spain's main big man himself.

It hasn't been easy. After meditating it a lot I've chosen to play with the Chicago Bulls. Looking forward to this new chapter of my career

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 12, 2014

Pau Gasol had different suitors who want to combine his post skills with their young wing athletes. The Oklahoma City Thunder was an intriguing destination and no less than MVP Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook led the pursuit. The big caveat was that OKC could only offer him the full-midlevel (around 5-6 million) and Gasol could still command much more than that.

The Los Angeles Lakers also made a play for their center and it reportedly offered a two-year $ 20 million deal, but Gasol wanted to play for a contender.

The Bulls offer details wasn't disclosed yet, but it is presumed to be in the middle of those figures.

The Bulls lost out on Carmelo, but the Carmelo Anthony pursuit did bring some good things-it got the owners to consider amnestying Carlos Boozer, for one. It may have also hastened Nikola Mirotic's transfer.

Adding Pau Gasol, Mirotic and a returning Derrick Rose would be enough to make Chicago a contender in the East.

According to George Karl, in an ESPN interview:

"I like him (playing with Noah). They are two of the best passing big men and good decision makers for their size. It gives the better versatility for the line-up of Coach Tom Thibodeau especially when Rose gets back."

It's not final yet, but the Bulls can exercise the final (and expensive) option if push comes to shove.

From ESPN:

"If the Bulls are unable to work a last-minute trade of Carlos Boozer, it likely means they will have to release him via the amnesty provision and clear the forward's $16.8 million off their salary cap to make room for Gasol. The deadline for such a move is Wednesday."

It should be worth the cost, especially since the Bulls will have their lineup intact.