As the NBA trade deadline slowly approaches the three biggest names being tossed around are Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Luol Deng. Bynum threw a wrench into everyone's trade plans when he was suspended by the Cleveland Cavaliers and officially made available after demonstrating conduct detrimental to the team. Numerous teams have expressed interest in the big man including the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls who are interested in swapping out Deng and Gasol.
The picture is becoming much more clear now as the Chicago Tribune reports the Bulls are removing themselves from the Bynum negotiations, not eager to switch out Deng for Bynum. K.C. Johnson reports that the Bulls could trade for Bynum by Jan. 7 and then waive him, getting ride of the $12.25 million the center is owed and end up saving roughly $20 million in salary and tax payments. While that is appealing, Chicago is not interested.
According to the Tribune, the Bulls are more interested in winning right now instead of cost cutting for the future. Deng has been thought to be on the trade blocks considering his expiring contract and failed negotiations at an extension. The Bulls still hold out hope they can re-sign the forward.
So where does that leave Bynum and Gasol? With Chicago out of the picture, the Lakers are reportedly picking up negotiations with the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Kyrie Irving facing a possible knee injury, the Cavaliers are prepared to make some moves. His forthcoming MRI exam could impact the trade.
Irving told reporters he felt something "pop" in his knee. If he is forced to miss a significant amount of time, the Cavaliers may be interested in taking on added salary to make a push for the playoffs. Gasol is a free-agent-to-be and would likely be just a one season rental. He would be a significant upgrade on the roster and could help the team make a serious case for the playoffs.
Bynum to the Lakers would be sense for Los Angeles. The team could make the trade and then release him before he is owed the second-half of his guaranteed salary. THe move would certainly help the Lakers save money and luxury tax obligations.
A decision on Irving is set to come soon. He could end up being the deciding factor in the trade deal. Getting Gasol in place of Bynum would certainly help the roster if the move is made.
