What a difference a month makes.
With five “bigs” fighting for time in the Bulls’ front-court, it seemed a lock that one, if not two, of them would get dealt. And, with free-agency looming, the 35-year-old Pau Gasol figured to be prime bait for the Bulls.
But with an injury to Joakim Noah, health issues with Nikola Mirotic and sudden growing pains for rookie Bobby Portis, Gasol looks like he’s staying put.
Still, he understands if the Bulls send him packing.
“No, I’m not concerned about it,’’ Gasol said Thursday before a 107-102 victory over the Kings. “I don’t think about it at all.
“As long as you’re doing your job and you’re doing what you’re supposed to do, you understand that there are certain things that might happen that are not in your control and they happen for different reasons. That’s why I’m so OK with anything like that, with any of those rumors.’’
ESPN’s Marc Stein reports the Bulls will try to re-sign the center, who has a one-year option at $7.7 million. Gasol has already said he would like to test the market, which is sure to pay him more than that, considering he’s delivering almost 17 points, 11 rebounds and three assists per game.
“Anything is possible in life, isn’t it?’’ Gasol said of a trade possibility. “I find it unlikely, but it’s possible at the same time. I think anyone in the league is tradeable unless you have a trade clause, which I don’t have, unfortunately. I’ll try and work that out in my next deal.’’
