Pau Gasol is approaching his return following a groin injury that will likely keep him off the court for one more week. The Los Angeles Lakers are getting desperate for the center to return not only to help win games, but also to hopefully execute a trade before the approaching deadline. The Phoenix Suns have started negotiations once again as the Cleveland Cavaliers look to get in on the action as well.
According to Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News, the Suns have once again started negotiations for Gasol after backing off following his recent injury setback. It was confirmed that the Phoenix Suns were the frontrunners in negotiations for Gasol, but backed off with the intentions of waiting to see just how the veteran recovered from his groin injury. Trade talks were essentially shelved after Gasol was ruled out for two weeks, but have started up again as other teams start to show interest.
The Lakers and Suns are at a bit of a standoff in terms of trade packages. The Phoenix Suns intend to give up one of their many draft picks. The team was looking to pair Emeka Okafor and his expiring contract with a first-round draft pick for Gasol. However, the issue is the Suns were considering moving a 2015 draft pick to the Lakers while Los Angeles wants a 2014 pick. According to Lawrence, the two sides will continue to discuss option.
With trade talks stalling, the Lakers are looking at Plan B for Gasol that does not include keeping him. Lange Greene from Basketball Insiders is reporting the Cleveland Cavaliers could begin negotiations for Gasol. The team is weighing options of shipping off Anderson Varejao before the deadline and could work him in with a deal for Gasol.
Varejao is one of Cleveland's better assets. The veteran certain is on the books for just $9 million this season and is only owed $4 million in guaranteed cash for next year. That works into the Lakers' cost-cutting plans, the Cavaliers would have to give up more than just Varejao is they intend on acquiring Gasol. Draft picks could be included in the deal, as could someone like Dion Waiters if the Lakers negotiate.
The chances of the Phoenix Suns deal working out feel better than the Varejao move. The package with the Suns benefits the Lakers a lot more. There is also the chance that Gasol goes nowhere and finishes out the year because hey, this is the NBA.