Gasol still weighing up future as free agency looms

Soon-to-be free agent Pau Gasol is unsure where he will be playing next season but the Chicago Bulls veteran does know he wants to join an NBA championship contender.

Two-time champion Gasol is coming out of contract and the 35-year-old is eligible to opt for free agency in July.

The San Antonio Spurs have loomed as a possible destination should Gasol decide to leave Chicago - a place he has called home since 2014 - though the Spaniard and six-time All-Star could stay with the Bulls.

“I know the [Bulls] franchise, I like the city. I like many things, the team, also the organisation,” Gasol told Marca. “It is a situation that I cherish.

“[But] I have to see what offers I get. I try to keep an open mind.

“The good news is that this summer the conditions that can be offered can be very attractive and there will be many teams that are going to propose interesting projects.

“There will be a significant amount of money and a lot of teams with cap space with the obligation to spend that money on their players.

“I try to have an open mind and see, when you start the process on July 1, what teams are willing to bet heavily on me as an important piece.”

Gasol, who averaged 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 4.1 assists and two blocks per game in 2015-16, added: “I would like two things: go to a team competing for the ring and with a good contract.”