Pau Gasol has proven that he can be reliable and someone who can make big shots when called upon to do so. He has proven it countless times despite being bashed (mostly in Los Angeles) for his soft defense.
Apparently, this was one of the reasons why he bolted the Lakers and opted to join the Chicago Bulls for less money. However, his contract next season will give him the liberty to opt out and test free agency.
Right now, Gasol's name is not among the hot names for the summer, with most folks interested in what Kevin Durant plans to do.
That and, of course, the fact that Gasol is no spring chicken (he is already 35 years old) is unlikely to land him a long-term high paying deal. But then again, he could be dangled a lucrative one-year deal instead of his Bulls' contract which will only guarantee him $7.77 million for next season.
Could money sway him to jump ship? Based on his previous dealings, Gasol has proven that money is not a problem. He proved this when he shunned the Lakers' offer, although it was more of how he was treated and valued which is seen as the reason why he left.
At the Bulls, he doesn't seem to have any problems for now. There is a new coach in town, Fred Hoiberg, but he doesn't seem to be complaining. With his somehow diminished minutes, Gasol has still been producing 14.4 points and 9.4 rebounds in 30 minutes of action), which isn't bad for a 35-year-old forward.
So does he intend to take a chance and see what the market offers?
Right now, Gasol is not thinking about it and focusing on the season. Unlike his last year with the Lakers, Gasol seems to be pretty snug with the Bulls right now. Will he walk?
Unless something untoward happens, it seems unlikely. As far as money goes, it looks like the Spaniard is more concerned about a longer deal than a short, high paying gig moving forward.
