The Chicago Bulls and Pau Gasol could go separate ways next summer, as the All-Star revealed that he will likely test free agency after the 2015-16 NBA season.
Gasol, who signed with the Bulls before the 2014-15 NBA season, has been proving this season that he still has a lot of gas left in his tank. The 35-year-old is averaging 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds on top of 2.4 assists and 2.0 blocks per game this season.
In their 99-90 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, Gasol finished with 26 points on 12-for-19 shooting to go along with 19 rebounds and four blocks. It was his eighth double-double performance this season. And if he continues to play well, the five-time All-Star believes he will get several offers in the offseason.
"As long as I keep playing like this," Gasol told CSN Chicago. "I know I'll have some options."
Gasol said that he had to take it easy earlier in the season after spending last summer with the Spanish National Team that competed in EuroBasket 2015. The 15-year veteran is looking forward to playing at a high level for the entire season.
"I feel pretty good right now physically," Gasol added. "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."
The Bulls will have critical decisions to make next summer as both Gasol and veteran center Joakim Noah are now set to hit free agency. Both players are still adjusting to the new offensive system of coach Fred Hoiberg, who replaced Tom Thibodeau last offseason.
But while the Bulls have relied on a fast-paced system this season, Gasol is still getting his touches and shots, as he is averaging 13.9 attempts this season, which is not too far from his 14.8 average last season.
"I understand things are a little different now, but as long as we win and we're a better team, we all sacrifice a little to do the things the coaching staff wants us to do," Gasol added.
According to the report, sources within the organization will remain mum about Gasol's contract situation, but they are expected to make a strong push to keep the two-time NBA champion in Chicago.
