Bulls, Spurs Most Likely To Acquire Pau Gasol

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs are the leading contenders to sign Pau Gasol.

Gasol is giving strong consideration to signing with the Spurs despite their limited cap situation in case the Bulls can't agree upon a sign-and-trade deal involving Carlos Boozer.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reluctant to take on the contract of Boozer unless they receive an asset back from the Bulls.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a $6.5 million trade exception that expires Friday night at 11:59 p.m., that they hoped to use in their own sign-and-trade with the Lakers.

The New York Knicks appear to be out of contention as well.

Via Marc Stein, Ramona Shelburne/ESPN

[WC NBA Fan]

Why does Gasol need a sign and trade from the Lakers? The Bulls have the cap space to outbid the Spurs outright. No need to give up assets in return.

[Allion]

Why does Gasol need a sign and trade from the Lakers? The Bulls have the cap space to outbid the Spurs outright. No need to give up assets in return.

100% agree, but maybe they are taking into consideration that Melo might also joining the team?

[hookshot199]

[maybe they are taking into consideration that Melo might also joining the team?

So we're back to the pre-LeBron drama minus several pieces - Jeremy Lin, for instance.

The Bulls still have to trade or amnesty Boozer and perhaps Dunleavy if they want a shot at Carmelo. They have to amnesty or trade Boozer for a shot at Gasol.

The Spurs will probably need to move $3-$4 mil in contracts to be in the hunt for Gasol.

What assets can either team offer?

In fact, Houston might come back into play for Carmelo.

If I were Jackson, I'd try to move Carmelo through a sign and trade. At least get a pick. He's not going to make the Knicks competitive.

[airaaron32]

Gasol on Spurs = Insta-repeat.

[Allion]

This is pissing me off, are the bulls stupid? Trading off Boozer?????? save that for MELO, wait until he made his decision THEN go and pursue other plans, wth man