The Phoenix Suns reportedly ended trade discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers for veteran Pau Gasol. Phoenix is unwilling to part with one of their four 2014 NBA draft picks for Gasol, the L.A. Times report.
"The Phoenix Suns have stopped talks to acquire Pau Gasol because they feel the Lakers want too much for the veteran post player, according to a person familiar with the situation," Mike Bresnahan of The Times wrote on Tuesday.
Phoenix (29-19) sought to add the veteran big man to their frontcourt in anticipation of a playoff run, but the team wanted to see first how well he recovers from his groin injury.
"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," Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN wrote on Tuesday.
"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 re-aggravated his groin injury on Jan. 31 in a loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. He's been sidelined since then but plans to return soon.
"Today I got a PRP shot to help the healing of my groin injury," Gasol posted on his Instagram account on Monday. "I will work hard to be back with the team as soon as possible."
Gasol, 33, is in the final year of his contract with Los Angeles. He's helped shoulder the load for an injury-depleted Lakers team, averaging 17.0 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
