The Chicago Bulls are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference yet rumors continue to surface regarding potential trades.
The team is undergoing an adjustment phase this year due to multiple changes this past offseason. Most notable in their lineup change is the benching of Joakim Noah in favor of Nikola Mirotic.
Most experts believe that Noah and Gasol are not an effective front court duo and are unable to keep up with the faster pace the NBA is heading towards. With his pending free agency next season, the Spanish big man Pau Gasol has been speculated to be potentially shopped if the team feels he won't re-sign.
According to Chicago Sun Times, the 2-time NBA champion will most likely test the free agent market after this season.
The Spanish player is currently on a a three-year, $22.3 million deal that included a player option on the third year prior to last season.
Despite the high mileage on the NBA veteran, he has managed to be in the top 10 for points and rebounds for centers in the league. He has managed to keep the Bulls afloat despite Derrick Rose's struggles.
As per csnchicago.com, Gasol spoke about his options in the upcoming offseason. "As long as I keep playing like this," Gasol said. "I know I'll have some options."
The former Los Angeles Laker then talked about his current physical state. "I feel pretty good right now physically," Gasol said after beating the Denver Nuggets.
"I had to take it easier in the preseason so I started a little slower this season than I would've liked but because of how I played this summer I had no choice. I had to refuel somehow so I could have enough gas to make it through the entire season and still get to the end with enough and push through so I can play well in the playoffs."
With Gasol's potential exit, many have believed that Gasol and shooting guard Mike Dunleavy are headed to the Toronto Raptors for DeMarre Carroll. This trade would give the bulls a 3 point specialist with defensive capabilities--something the team is clearly lacking. The Raptors on the other hand feel that they are one big man away from becoming a solid playoff contender.
