After getting suspended over the weekend for conduct detrimental to the team, it has been assumed center Andrew Bynum has played his final games with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The veteran has been reinstated, but is currently on paid leave with no plans on returning. With the trade deadline approaching a few teams are interested in Bynum and the Los Angeles Lakers could be moving to the top of the list.
According to ESPN.com, league sources are reporting the Lakers and the Cavaliers have briefly discussed a Paul Gasol, Bynum swap. While negotiations have been very brief, there is interest. Any sort of deal would likely have to get done by Jan. 7 with Bynum is owed the second half of his $12.25 million in guaranteed salary which could play into this trade happening or not.
The Lakers have been outspoken in their determination to not trade Gasol. With Kobe Bryant out, the center is being looked at as "the man" of the team despite being forced to sit out with injuries. The issue is that expiring contract Gasol has to his name. The Lakers are likely not re-signing him. Trading for Bynum could mean the team would then waive the center and save $20 million in salary and luxury tax. That is a big upside for the Lakers who are in search of creating some long-term financial flexibility.
This is not the first time the Cavaliers have targeted Gasol. The team looked at the center over the summer during the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. Those talks ended when Howard went to Houston. Despite continuing to say they are not trading Gasol, the Lakers have reportedly explored negotiations with other teams after the center and head coach Mike D'Antoni clashed over the current playbook. The Lakers reportedly talked to the Nets, Bulls and Rockets, but ended things when Bryant went down.
Bynum is certainly no stranger to the Lakers. The center was named an All-Star and won two championship rings in Los Angeles. He was traded in 2012 as a part of the Howard deal. He failed to play a single game for the Philadelphia 76ers thanks to knee issues, but has averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds for Cleveland.
The Cavaliers have been exploring trade talks since the weekend. The Los Angeles Clippers are interested as they struggle with depth on the frontcourt. With just DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles could use him. The Cavaliers have also talked with the Bulls about a deal for Luol Deng. Chicago is also seeking a financial break and Bynum is a low-risk deal.
