Bulls add some Gas to their attack

Jay Asser 11:34 14/07/2014
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  • Pau-werful presence: Big man Gasol.

    After missing out on top target Carmelo Anthony, the Chicago Bulls have addressed their offensive needs by signing Pau Gasol from the LA Lakers to a multi-year deal.

    The four-time All-Star will add depth to Chicago’s frontline, which already boasts Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. Gasol is averaging 18.3 points per game for his career and is one of the most skilled scoring and passing big men in the NBA. He’ll help the Bulls offensively, where they ranked last in the league last season at 91.8 points per game.

    To make room for Gasol’s salary, Chicago will have to clear cap space and the most likely player to be moved is Carlos Boozer, who accounts for $16.8m (Dh61.7m) on the Bulls’ cap. Chicago could either find a trade partner or use their 

    amnesty provision, allowing the team to waive Boozer without having his salary counted on the cap.

    The Bulls also need to clear cap space to bring in Nikola Mirotic, who has agreed to a buyout with Spanish team Real Madrid. Chicago have kept Mirotic overseas since acquiring his rights in the 2011 NBA Draft, but the smooth-shooting forward could pair with Gasol to form a dynamic scoring combination.

    Los Angeles made a move of their own, trading for Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets while also receiving a future first-round selection and a second-round pick in next year’s draft in exchange for the rights to Ukraine’s Sergei Lishchuk. The trade allows Houston to clear enough cap room to sign veteran forward Trevor Ariza.

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