Could Bulls forward Andres Nocioni be on his way to Memphis in a trade for Pau Gasol?

A league source suggested any talks between the Bulls and Grizzlies are in the preliminary stages. But Memphis general manager Chris Wallace flew to Argentina in recent days to meet with Nocioni, sources confirmed.

One theory is the Bulls would be willing to send Nocioni, first-round draft pick Joakim Noah, backup point guard Chris Duhon and filler to the Grizzlies in exchange for the 7-foot Gasol, who averaged 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds last season.

Nocioni is a restricted free agent, which means the Bulls can match any offer the third-year forward receives. Bulls general manager John Paxson stated emphatically Monday that he'll match any offer sheet for Nocioni.

But it's possible Paxson's message was another way of saying any team that wants Nocioni will have to negotiate a trade. The Bulls have great appreciation for Nocioni's talent and toughness, but his role on the team seems to be limited to either playing power forward at 6-feet-7 or backing up small forward Luol Deng.