Pau Gasol (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA rumors have started to swirl around players who have expiring contracts, including Chicago Bulls big man Pau Gasol.
Gasol is in the second year of his three-year $22 million contract and has a player option on the final term. According to CSN Chicago, the two-time NBA champion is "very likely" to opt out of his contract this summer and test the free agency market.
"As long as I keep playing like this," Gasol said. "I know I'll have some options."
With Gasol already exploring his options for his impending free agency next summer, it is possible for the Bulls to trade the Spaniard now while he is healthy and producing solid numbers for the team, rather than let him walk away with nothing in return.
It is not surprising for Gasol to decline his player option with the Bulls once the 2015-2016 NBA regular season is over, considering the amount of money lurking in the free agency when the league's new TV deal kicks in.
According to Spotrac, Gasol is one of the most underpaid player in the NBA for his production, and that validates the reason why Gasol plans to opt out of his contract next year.
Gasol's 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game average on 29.6 minutes of playing time are solid contributions for the Bulls.
But his stats are not just the outputs he could bring to the table. His defensive presence and effectiveness inside the paint give him more value as a trade asset for the Bulls.
One of ideal trade scenarios for Gasol is a reunion with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gasol was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Lakers in February 2008 and has helped the Purple and Gold to three-consecutive NBA Finals appearance, where LA won two straight against the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.
But prior to the 2013-2014 season, Gasol left the Lakers via free agency and signed to a contending team like the Bulls.
Trading Gasol to the Lakers would give him one final chance to play alongside his good friend Bryant and probably establish a renewed relationship with the Lakers front office.
The Lakers are reportedly considering to deal their young core of talents, including Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell, and Larry Nance Jr in the offseason next year for a star player, according to the Lakers Nation.
The Bulls would be certainly interested to deal Gasol for Russell and Clarkson, who could become the team's top point guards if Derrick Rose also decides to explore offers from other team in his 2017 free agency.
The ESPN Trade Machine approved this type of trade scenario for the Bulls and the Lakers, if such a deal materializes.
The Lakers have plenty of room for a superstar next year. And with an additional boost from the NBA's new TV deal, LA is primed to be a top target for free agents.
Lakers are not really known for trying to rebuild. They are the type of teams that reloads, and such move to immediately turn around a franchise may come to Tinseltown before the trade deadline.
