The Phoenix Suns are reportedly very interested in trading for Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, but Phoenix wants to wait to see how the big man recovers from his groin injury before moving forward with a potential deal.
Phoenix and Los Angeles have 16 days to reach an agreement on a trade. With just over two weeks remaining until the NBA trade deadline, the Suns plan to monitor how Gasol progresses from his injury before pulling the trigger on a trade.
Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein of ESPN reported the Gasol update on Tuesday. Per ESPN:
"The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns engaged in a fresh round of trade discussions Monday focused on four-time All-Star center Pau Gasol as both sides continued to assess their options in advance of the Feb. 20 trade deadline, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
"Sources told ESPN.com that, while there is substantive interest on both sides, it's believed Suns officials want to see how Gasol recovers from a strained groin before deciding whether to take talks to the next level."
Gasol has been sidelined since Jan. 31, when he re-aggravated a groin injury against the Charlotte Bobcats. The 7-footer announced on Instagram he underwent a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection on Monday in hopes of hastening his recovery.
"Today I got a PRP shot to help the healing of my groin injury," Gasol wrote. "I will work hard to be back with the team as soon as possible."
Stein first reported the Suns' interest in Gasol on Sunday. The Lakers are expected to receive the expiring contract of Suns center Emeka Okafor and one of Phoenix's four potential 2014 first-round picks.
Phoenix (29-18), to the surprise of many, is in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Acquiring Gasol would bolster their frontcourt for a potential postseason run. For the Lakers, trading Gasol would inch the team closer to the luxury tax threshold line and add another draft pick for their rebuild.
