Pau Gasol is likely to opt out of the final year of his contract this summer.
When Pau Gasol signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bulls worth $22.3 million back in 2014, he included a player option clause in the contract that would allow him to test the waters of free agency before committing to playing out the final year with the Bulls. And while Gasol would never tip his hand to the press regarding his future plans, especially not midseason, it’s still worth wondering whether this could be his last season in a Chicago uniform.
Gasol chose the Bulls because he wanted to play on a title contender and because he wanted to go where he was wanted. For too many years the Spanish big man found his name buzzing amidst trade rumors as a Laker, so it made sense that he went to a storied franchise where his efforts would be acknowledged and respected.
This past winter, however, Gasol once again was dangled as trade bait, and while the feeling must have been familiar, it most likely didn’t sit well with a veteran player who can now exercise that option this summer and find a new home where he’ll once again be appreciated.
Here are five potential landing spots for Gasol should he indeed choose to opt out of Chicago when the season ends.
Next: 5. Dallas Mavericks