The Phoenix Suns have reportedly cooled on trade discussions with the Lakers for big man Pau Gasol because they feel Los Angeles has too high a asking price for the veteran, Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times reports. This news comes not long after the Lakers said Gasol would be out through the All-Star break with a strained groin, and there are conflicting reports that Phoenix would like to first wait and see how Pau's injury situation pans out.
NBA trade rumors: Suns cooling on Pau Gasol deal after groin injury
Phoenix puts discussions on hold, feels current asking price too high for banged-up big man.
USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles was after one of the Suns' highest potential picks out of the possible four they could own in the NBA Draft come June, Bresnahan's report states.
Phoenix could own four picks in the June draft, and the Lakers coveted one of the more valuable two -- the pick the Suns could potentially get from Minnesota or the one they might receive from Washington.
Both of those picks are protected and will revert back to Washington and Minnesota if they stumble. The Wizards' pick is top-12 protected, so the Suns technically own it at this point (17th overall before Tuesday's games), while the Timberwolves' pick is top-13 protected, meaning Minnesota holds it right now (12th overall before Tuesday).
Phoenix also has its own pick (22nd overall as of Tuesday afternoon) and Indiana's pick (currently 30th) in the draft, which is considered one of the best in years.
There’s plenty of time for talks to reignite before the Feb. 20 trade deadline, but it appears the Lakers are going to have to lower the asking price for their banged-up pivot man. Depending on Gasol’s progress with his current injury situation, talks could reopen in the near future.
Gasol hasn’t had a great season, and he has struggled to work seamlessly with coach Mike D’Antoni. But he was quite good over the last month, averaging 20.8 points and 11.9 boards per game in January. He’s making $19.3 million this season, and the Suns were reportedly offering Emeka Okafor’s $14.4 million contract, as they have enough leftover cap space to absorb the remainder of Pau’s bloated contract.
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