According to reports from Chicago media outlets such as CSN-Chicago, Pau Gasol is "likely" to opt out of his contract and test free agency this summer.
It's been another good start to the season for the Spaniard. He is averaging a double double, scoring 14.4 points per game and 10.8 rebounds a game. He has led the Chicago Bulls in scoring for the past two games and has been the second best player on the team.
After an offseason where the Bulls decided to keep Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah as well as drafting Bobby Portis, the Chicago frontcourt was as crowded as ever. Many saw Gasol's role as a decreasing one as he was getting older (he's 35) and the fact that his defensive effort is not always at a maximum. But he has proven the doubters wrong so far as he continues to produce for the Bulls. His rebounding ability and ability to stretch the floor with a consistent jump shot has helped Chicago to the third best record in the East. But this might be his last ride with the Bulls after two great seasons.
After the Bulls win against the Denver Nuggets, Gasol told reporters (via CSN Chicago) that he will likely opt out and he will have some options if he keeps playing the way he does.
Gasol will have some options if he chooses to opt out of the three year deal he signed with Chicago in 2013. One big team to look out for would be the Memphis Grizzlies, where Gasol's brother Marc plays. Marc said he would try and recruit Pau to come to Memphis. But with the duo of Zach Randolph and Gasol already there, the move seems unlikely.
The Oklahoma City Thunder could be in the works for Gasol. Oklahoma City almost signed with Gasol two years ago when he chose to sign with Chicago and could be in the running for his services again. With the likes of Enes Kanter and Steven Adams in the frontcourt, the Thunder needs a veteran big man to solidify the offense. Gasol and Serge Ibaka could be a solid starting big men combo for OKC and adding Gasol could sway Kevin Durant to stay in OKC this summer.