NBA Trade Rumors as the Deadline Approaches

Pau Gasol

Dec 10, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sports broadcaster Jim Hill of KCAL9-CBS2 interviews Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers forward-center is a trade buzz cliché by now, but with the Lakers legitimately out of the playoff race for the first time in Pau Gasol’s tenure, persistent whispers have evolved into constant howls—so much so, that discussions were held with Phoenix just last week. Those talks reportedly came to an end when the extent of Gasol’s nagging injuries were disclosed. The Suns moved on to the Grizzlies, in pursuit of Zach Randolph, but the Lakers are expected to re-open discussion under altered terms.

Gasol’s expiring contract is worth $19 million, making him the grand poobah of all cap-clearers. With Memphis on the verge of playoff relevance after the return of Pau’s brother, Marc Gasol, the Suns will come knocking at the Lakers’ door once more when they realize that Randolph isn’t for sale just yet. It is of high likelihood that Pau Gasol will not finish the season in Los Angeles. Ha! How many times has that been said? Even so, that’s the truth. The Lakers must prepare for substantial reformation in 2014.