The Washington Nationals are discussing a possible Jordan Zimmermann trade with the Chicago Cubs, according to a report by the Chicago Sun Times.

Zimmermann turned down a five-year contract extension early this past season, according to a source. The right-hander can become a free agent after the 2015 season.

After signing a two-year, $24 million deal before Spring Training, Zimmermann said he wasn't going to give the Nationals a discount.

Asked why he accepted the two-year extension, Zimmermann said, "The long-term deal wasn't the right deal. It just didn't work out. They came to us with a two-year deal. Let's get this out of the way, so we don't have to worry about arbitration for the next two years. We can just focus on baseball. We felt it was right, and I think it was fair for both sides, and we got the deal done."