Los Angeles Lakers open to sign-and-trade of Pau Gasol
The first domino fell in free agency on Friday with the signing of LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers and there could be a number of big free agents falling in the coming days, including Pau Gasol who may force the Los Angeles Lakers’ hand and force a sign-and-trade.
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The Lakers want to bring Gasol back, but if he expresses a desire to leave, the Lakers are open to the idea of a sign-and-trade according to L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina.
"“It is not currently clear which scenarios the Lakers would entertain a sign-and-trade with Gasol, who made $19.3 million last season. But in general terms, the Lakers want to ensure they receive a quality player in return, if not more, and that their contract does not compromise their financial flexibility both in length and size of the contract.”"
Gasol is a highly-coveted player and after Carmelo Anthony remains the biggest prize on the open market with Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks in contention to sign the All-Star power forward who made $19.3 million last season.
The Knicks want to pair Gasol with Anthony, who has yet to commit to the Knicks, and the Bulls front office has wanted to add Gasol for eyars, dating back to their failed attempt to land him from the Memphis Grizzlies when the Lakers swooped in and acquired a big piece of two NBA titles.
The Bulls could offer Carlos Boozer‘s expiring contract in a potential swap for Gasol which would give the Lakers cap flexibility and poised to make a splash in free agency next year when Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge are scheduled to be free agents.