Report: Bulls 'softening' on retaining Pau Gasol

Trade winds are blowing through the Windy City.

The Chicago Bulls are "softening" their stance on re-signing Pau Gasol when he likely becomes a free agent this summer, sources tell K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Bulls general manager Gar Forman publicly proclaimed his dedication to Gasol after the 35-year-old Spaniard's name was reportedly bandied about at the trade deadline.

"We see him as a big piece of what we're doing today and in the future," Bulls general manager Gar Forman told ESPN's Nick Friedell. "We value Pau. We see him as part of our core."

However, the team remains just one game above .500 heading into the final gasps of the regular season, and the Bulls appear to be rethinking their current construction.

Chicago's reportedly made supposed franchise player Jimmy Butler available amid rumors he's at odds with head coach Fred Hoiberg. Johnson notes that, naturally, it would take a massive offer to pry Butler away.

Gasol said in March that he plans to turn down his $7.7-million player option for 2016-17 to test the open market. He did say that the Bulls will be his first option.