NBA: Suns considering trade for Lakers' Pau Gasol - ESPN

The Phoenix Suns are considering a trade for Los Angeles Lakers big man Pau Gasol, ESPN's Marc Stein reported Sunday (Monday, PHL time), citing league sources.

At the heart of any trade between the two teams would be the expiring contract of injured center Emeka Okafor going to LA in exchange for Gasol. The Suns are under the cap and can absorb Gasol's bigger salary ($14.5 million for Okafor versus $19.3 million for Gasol), resulting in the Lakers getting some financial relief.

The thinking behind the Lakers' side of the deal is similar to when they earlier in January considered dealing Gasol for then-Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum. Instead, the Cavs dealt Bynum to the Chicago Bulls, who waived him and his only partially-guaranteed salary to get under the tax line.

However, like in that proposed Cleveland deal, the Lakers are adamantly looking for something in addition to just financial benefits, such as extra draft picks or a young player.

For the Suns, getting Gasol would give them a veteran presence down low, a major boost for such a young team. Their only true big men right now are sophomore Miles Plumlee and rookie Alex Len, the latter still working his way back from a foot injury.

Gasol's deal is also an expiring contract, which means he is not locked-in long-term to the Suns, should the fit not be right.

Ironically one of Phoenix’s four future first round picks comes from the Lakers themselves, from a sign-and-trade deal consummated last season for point guard Steve Nash.

The 7’0” Gasol is currently averaging 17.0 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Phoenix is second in the Pacific Division at 29-18, sixth in the Western Conference, while the Lakers are 16-31, tied for second-worst in the West.  - AMD, GMA News