The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly discussed a trade involving Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Los Angeles wants to make the deal so they can then waive Bynum and save more than $20 million, ESPN reports.
Bynum's contract makes him an intriguing trade prospect. A clause in the 7-footer's deal allows a team to waive Bynum before Jan. 7 without having to pay the second half of his $12.25 million salary.
"By trading Gasol in a package for Bynum and then waiving him, the injury-ravaged Lakers could save more than $20 million in salaries and luxury taxes, which could help them maintain financial flexibility heading into the next few summers," ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne wrote on Tuesday. "A Gasol-Bynum trade would have to include at least one other player and perhaps other assets from Cleveland."
ESPN's sources said both teams have had discussions about the trade, but no deal is believed to be imminent. The Lakers front office, according to ESPN's sources, also want to give their roster a chance to get healthy and compete before making any big trades.
Gasol, in the final year of his contract, is the subject of trade speculation every season. Bynum has made strides after missing all of last season with knee injuries; he's averaging 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per game.
Cleveland suspended Bynum over the weekend for conduct detrimental to the team and later excused him indefinitely from all team activities and games.
Cleveland is also in talks with the Chicago Bulls for forward Luol Deng, whose contract expires after the season. Chicago, like Los Angeles, would save more than $20 million by trading for Bynum and then waiving him before the Jan. 7 deadline in his contract.
