Gasol opts out of contract with Bulls

As expected, Chicago Bulls big man Pau Gasol has declined his $7.7-million player option for the 2016-17 season, and will become an unrestricted free agent.

Gasol informed the Bulls of his decision just ahead of his deadline on Monday, ESPN's Marc Stein reports, citing sources.

The 7-foot Spaniard appears unlikely to return to Chicago, where the organization is doing some dramatic personnel restructuring. Longtime starting point guard Derrick Rose has been shipped to New York, and longtime center Joakim Noah is believed to be on his way out the door as a free agent, especially with Robin Lopez coming over from the Knicks in the Rose deal.

Gasol hasn't offered many hints as to his free-agency plans, aside from calling the San Antonio Spurs - who his brother Marc expects him to sign with - an "interesting option."

Gasol will be 36 in a little over a week, but he's shown few signs of slowing down, at least at the offensive end. He proved quite durable in his two seasons with the Bulls, averaging 75 games played. He was named an All-Star both seasons, and 2015-16 saw him post the best rebounding and assist rates of his 15-year career. He finished the season averaging 16.5 points, 11 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and two blocks.