Pau Gaosl rumors: Chicago Bulls deal should be done today
The Chicago Bulls once again had high hopes in free agency.
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As free agency opened, the Bulls were eyeing just about every big name free agent, but had one star in particular in mind – New York Knicks’ free agent forward Carmelo Anthony. Unfortunately for the Bulls, they have reportedly once again whiffed on their top target – Anthony will be signing a five-year deal worth between $120 million and $129 million (which is the maximum he can receive).
Now, that Bulls have turned their attention to adding another big man – Los Angeles Lakers’ free agent Pau Gasol, who will not be remaining with the Lakers. The two sides have been progressing towards a deal. In fact, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles, the deal should be done today. The Bulls would prefer to acquire Gasol in a sign and trade and K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune outlines how that could go down.
"Though the Lakers would have to nimbly execute several transactions that started with Friday’s agreement to trade for the Rockets’ Jeremy Lin, a league source indicated the Bulls have discussed sending Mike Dunleavy and the non-guaranteed contracts of Mike James, Lou Amundsen and Ronnie Brewer to the Lakers."
Of course, if they can’t complete a sign and trade, they will have to waive power forward Carlos Boozer via the amnesty clause to create cap space.
Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season. He shot 48.0% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and 73.6% from the free throw line.