National Basketball Association

New Bull Gasol says 'instinct told me to pick Chicago'

Published Jul. 15, 2014 11:07 a.m. ET

foxsports

BARCELONA, Spain -- Recent free agent Pau Gasol says signing for the Chicago Bulls over NBA champion San Antonio or Oklahoma City came down to a gut decision.

Gasol says on Tuesday that after speaking with Bulls players Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, "instinct told me to pick Chicago."

The 7-foot Spanish forward says Chicago was a logical choice since "without doubt it is one of the championship favorites in the East alongside Cleveland."

The 34-year-old Gasol, who departs the Los Angeles Lakers after five-plus seasons, says while the Spurs and Thunder were options "nothing is guaranteed wherever you sign. I'm happy with my choice."

Gasol also expects newly acquired forward Nikola Mirotic, who was signed from Spanish club Real Madrid, to "make an immediate impact" with the Bulls.