Though the Bulls had yet to be told officially they're out of the Anthony sweepstakes, the New York Daily News reported Carmelo Anthony will make his Knicks' announcement Thursday.
That would intensify the Bulls' pursuit of Pau Gasol, and league sources indicated the Bulls hope to pursue sign-and-trade options with the Lakers for him involving Carlos Boozer's expiring salary.
The Bulls actually can outbid serious suitors for Gasol, other than the Lakers. Gasol, 34, is drawing serious interest from the Thunder, Spurs, Heat and Knicks.