The Los Angeles Lakers could reportedly send Steve Nash in a trade to the Toronto Raptors. Pau Gasol, meanwhile, is hopeful to remain with the Lakers after the season but admitted his desire to explore free agency.
Nash is one of the four guaranteed contracts the Lakers have on the books for next season. After a sluggish start from Nash (24.3 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 5.3 APG), the Lakers are reportedly considering trading the 39-year-old veteran.
"Steve Nash is another vet who may be traded this year," Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld tweeted on Sunday. "I've heard Toronto as a possible landing spot for Nash from multiple league sources."
Nash, who's set to make $9.7 million next year, has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons; he's expected to play limited minutes during the year to keep him healthy for the postseason.
If the Lakers pursue a trade involving Nash, Toronto does appear to be a potential suitor. ESPN's Mark Stein reported on Friday that the Raptors' new general manager, Masai Ujiri, is "vigorously" exploring possible trades for this season. Everyone on Toronto's roster except for Jonas Valanciunas is available to be traded, according to Stein's source.
Gasol, meanwhile, spoke with Yahoo! Sports about his impending free agency. The Spaniard, who's often the subject of trade rumors, said his focus is on playing well this season and winning games. Although the 33-year-old said he's hopeful for a new deal with the Lakers, he did admit his desire to explore free agency when his contract expires in July.
"It's going to be the first time that I'm going to be a free agent. Going to see what's out there, what's the best situation because (of) my career. The years I have left are very few. So I have be conscientious of that and maximize my time and opportunities," Gasol said. "... At the same time I would love to stay with the team and stay with the franchise that has given me so much. ... I want to continue, that's kind of my desire.
"I'm just going to focus on what I can control, which is playing hard every night, helping the team win, being a leader for this team, being the best player that I can be out there."
See the full interview HERE.
