With the Kobe Bryant trade talks apparently on hold for now, Bulls general manager John Paxson should turn his attention to Pau Gasol and gauge the chances of making a deal for the Memphis Grizzlies big man.

Gasol, 27, is close in age to other members of the Bulls’ young core, and his addition likely would make them serious contenders to reach the NBA Finals for the next five years or so. He’s exactly what the Bulls need, a big man with a well-rounded offensive game. He can score on a variety of moves in the low post and step out to knock down an 18-foot jumper with regularity.He averaged 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in 36.2 minutes last season. He shot 53.8 percent from the field and 74.8 percent from the free-throw line. Gasol also would give the Bulls a player capable of drawing fouls and getting easy points from the free-throw line.

If the Grizzlies get off to a slow start, the chances of the Bulls dealing for Gasol get considerably better.So what would it take to make a deal? If I’m Paxson, Luol Deng still is an untouchable and so is Gordon in this scenario. I’d put together a package built around Tyrus Thomas, a younger, much cheaper player who could spark some fan interest in Memphis. An offer of Thomas, Andres Nocioni, another player and a pick might get a deal done under the right circumstances.