The Phoenix Suns are reportedly interested in trading for Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol. Phoenix is expected to include a 2014 first-round draft pick and the expiring contract of center Emeka Okafor, according to both the L.A. Times and ESPN.
The latest batch of rumors has Gasol headed to Phoenix. With the Suns (29-18) unexpectedly in contention for a playoff, separate sources told The Times and ESPN on Sunday that Phoenix is exploring bolstering their frontcourt by acquiring the four-time NBA All-Star.
Phoenix could have as many as four first round draft picks this year, depending on how Minnesota, Indiana and Washington finish the season. Okafor, who the Suns acquired from Washington and is in the final year of his contract, is also believed to be a piece of the potential trade.
Los Angeles appears destined for the lottery this year, and an additional first-round pick would help the team with their inevitable rebuild. Trading Gasol would also help the Lakers financially.
"The $4.8 million difference between Gasol's cap number and Okafor's would immediately drop the Lakers less than $3 million away from the league's luxury-tax threshold, meaning one more smaller deal before the Feb. 20 trade deadline could conceivably be enough to take them out of tax territory completely," Marc Stein of ESPN wrote on Sunday.
Coming in under the tax threshold would give the Lakers greater flexibility in free agency during the summer, when they could pursue expected soon-to-be free agents Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James or Chris Bosh.
Gasol has shouldered the team this season in the absence of Kobe Bryant. The 7-footer is averaging 17.0 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
