Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol is rumored of planning to opt out of his current contract in July, which could make him end up playing for the Washington Wizards next season.

The 35-year-old Gasol is in the second year of his three-year, $22.3 million deal with the Bulls and it comes with a player option at the end of the season.

Like Us on Facebook

If the Spaniard chooses to exercise the option, then he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, enabling him to test the market for big-money opportunities as the NBA's salary cap is set to rise significantly due to the league's latest TV deal.

ESPN reported the rumor, saying that "Gasol will likely decline the option so he can hit the free agent market in 2016" together with fellow Chicago slotman Joakim Noah.

"As long as I keep playing like this, I know I'll have some options," said the two-time NBA champion, as per CSN Chicago.

With the cap skyrocketing next year, it just makes sense for Gasol to want to have some share of the coming riches for sure.

Playing in his 15th NBA season, the five-time All-Star is still one of the league's premier center forwards as well as internationally. Through 18 games this season, he has averaged 14.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.2 blocks in a little over 29 minutes per game.

CSN Mid-Atlantic's J. Michael disclosed that the Wizards could contact Gasol during next year's free-agency if they lose in the highly-anticipated Kevin Durant sweepstakes.

Michael cited Washington's penchant for having a backup plan in case their first option in free-agency will not work, mentioning that "two years ago it was Trevor Ariza, who left as a free agent instead, and they moved quickly to slot in Paul Pierce. This year, Pierce bolted and adjustments were made to compensate with Jared Dudley, Alan Anderson and Gary Neal".

As long as the Wizards offer the right deal to Gasol, then expect the Barcelona native to bolt out of the Bulls next year.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, Chicago Bulls rumors, Washington Wizards rumors, Pau Gasol