Report: Bulls quietly shopped Gasol prior to Noah injury

Losing center Joakim Noah for four-to-six months due to a separated left shoulder has forced the Chicago Bulls to reconsider any potential plans they had for Pau Gasol.

Management was reportedly "quietly checking into deals" for the 35-year-old Spaniard prior to losing Noah to what may be a season-ending injury, according to USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt.

Gasol is currently in the second year of a three-year, $22-million contract he signed with the franchise back in 2014, with a player option of $7.7 million for the 2016-17 season. He's been vocal in his desire to opt out of his contract, saying it's "very likely" he'll test the open market as the salary cap continues to spike.

"As long as I keep playing like this," Gasol said in December, according to CSN Chicago's Vincent Goodwill. "I know I'll have some options."

Related: Is this the end for Noah and the Bulls?

Age is just a number for the 15-year veteran, who continues to put up quality numbers for the 23-16 Bulls. In 37 appearances, Gasol is averaging a double-double of 16.3 points and 10.8 rebounds on 45.7 percent shooting, along with 3.2 assists and 2.2 blocks in 31.6 minutes per game.

The issue in dealing Gasol, though, is that he's battling his fair share of injuries, even though he's only sat two games. With his shoulder and Achilles both causing him discomfort, it may be difficult for teams to offer Chicago significant value in a trade for a 7-footer who may need to miss some time down the road.

Gasol also has a short list of teams he's willing to sign with, Zillgitt reports, which should make any trade partners weary to pony up for what may simply be a rental acquisition.

Fred Hoiberg was handed the keys to a roster loaded with depth in the frontcourt, and while Noah didn't appear to be in favor with the first-year head coach, his loss will undoubtedly hurt the Bulls in terms of interior defense and rebounding, even if he was having a down year.

Nikola Mirotic has been widely inconsistent, Taj Gibson can only provide so much on the offensive end, and Bobby Portis - while exceeding expectations - is still a rookie, which places more importance on Gasol and the production he provides.

For the moment, it looks like the Bulls will avoid picking up the phone to shop Gasol, as they may need him now more than ever.