The Charlotte Bobcats are hanging onto the last playoff seed in the Eastern Conference and could be interested in upgrading their roster to make a postseason push. The team has contacted the Los Angeles Lakers about trading for veteran big man Pau Gasol, according to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
NBA trade rumors: Charlotte Bobcats contact Lakers about Pau Gasol trade, according to report
Could the Bobcats add a two-time champion to help lead their playoff push?
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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The Lakers would likely demand a draft pick in return for Gasol. The Bobcats do not own their 2014 first-round draft pick but have the rights to the Portland Trail Blazers' (top-12 protected) and Detroit Pistons' (top-eight protected) picks for the upcoming draft. Charlotte could use the large expiring contract of Ben Gordon to help facilitate the trade, though it would need to shed more salary to acquire Gasol.
Gasol has not played in February after suffering a groin injury, though he had a very productive January. He averaged 20.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game through the first month of 2014, turning around a slow start to his season after undergoing knee procedures over the summer. His versatile skill set on offense could make a formidable pairing with big man Al Jefferson.
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