The Chicago Bulls failed to convince Carmelo Anthony to leave the New York Knicks, but they made sure that they will be able to make big offseason moves in hopes of improving their title chances next season.
The Bulls, who lost to the Washington Wizards in the first round of the 2014 Playoffs, introduced their newest acquisitions - Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic - in a news conference on Friday.
During the introductory press conference, Gasol said that he considered all options this summer, but he eventually decided to sign with Chicago, believing that the Bulls have a good chance of winning a title in the near future.
Gasol, who signed three-year deal worth around $22 million with the Bulls, said that he turned down more expensive offers from other teams in order to put himself in a good position to win his third NBA title.
"Money obviously wasn't the priority here," Gasol said via ESPN. "I turned down bigger offers, and I prioritized being on a championship-caliber team and being in a position where I can hopefully put that team over the top with my game, as well. I felt that here, I was going to have that opportunity, and now it's just a matter of getting to work."
Reports indicated that Gasol, who averaged 17.4 points on 48 percent shooting last season to go along with 9.7 rebounds and 1.53 blocks, also got offers from the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and the Miami Heat.
The 34-year-old veteran center also added that Bulls superstars Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose played a big factor in his decision to move to Windy City this summer, saying that he was impressed with their passion and hunger to win.
The Bulls also introduced 2011 first-round pick Nikola Mirotic, who recently agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract after spending the past three years in Europe to develop his skills.
Mirotic, who was acquired by the Bulls in a draft day trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2011, expressed excitement with his latest career move, saying that he has been following the Bulls since being drafted 23rd overall three years ago.
"It's a pleasure to have that opportunity for me," Mirotic said. "Since I have been drafted in 2011, I have watched many games of the Bulls', and I've always dreamt about the moment of being here and playing with them. And now that I'm here, I'll work as hard as possible to get the most out of it and the most victories next season."
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