The Los Angeles Lakers may finally be willing to trade away Pau Gasol, but now it appears a lack of interest from teams could halt that effort. The Phoenix Suns appeared to jump at the chance to sign Gasol just a few days ago, until the center got injured and will now miss at least four games. With the Lakers asking for a lot in return, this deal has officially become dead.
The Los Angeles Times is reports that the Suns have stopped all negotiations surrounding Gasol because they feel the Lakers' price tag is simply too high for the veteran player. Originally the Suns offered up Emeka Okafor and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Gasol, but the Lakers are requesting two first-round draft picks.
That deal would not only set the Lakers up with a No. 17 draft pick, but also a top 12 protected pick the Suns got from Minnesota. The Lakers would receive significant financial relief getting rid of Gasol's $19.3 million salary in exchange for Okafor's $14.4 million expiring contract. That is more than enough for a favorable, but too much for the Suns.
Both teams are now at a standstill with the Suns backing away at the moment. These negotiations could easily pick back up again, but Phoenix is looking to hold out until Gasol returns back onto the court from a recent groin injury. If he can continue being the same dominating player once healthy, the Suns might be more willing to give up more draft picks for the big man.
Until then, the Suns could easily explore other options while waiting for Gasol. Phoenix had been in talks to acquire Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes from the Philadelphia 76ers. The Eastern Conference team has been hesitant to make a deal, but the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the team is actively shopping Turner and is growing desperate for a deal.
Philadelphia appeared willing to accept just the one first-round pick and Okafor for the two young players. If the Gasol issue takes too long to work out, Phoenix may go ahead with the Turner deal.
The Suns have been the surprise of the season. The team is currently in position for a top spot in the Western Conference during a year they were not expected to do much. This is causing several trade negotiations to try and beef up their roster for a late-season run. Expect some moves to be made before Feb. 20.
