3:32pm: Chad Ford of ESPN.com hears from a league source that the Rockets are no longer pursuing Gasol, while Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio hears that it's still "very possible" Houston goes after Pau (Sulia link). Ken Berger of CBSSports.com also hears from a source that the Rockets have "cooled significantly" on Gasol. I'm guessing the 31-year-old is, at best, a Plan B or C for the Rockets at this point.
2:54pm: Bresnahan adds in another tweet that the Lakers also have interest in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who could be the target if the team moves Gasol in a deal for a top-five pick.
2:27pm: The Hawks have been pursuing Gasol, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter). There's still nothing imminent, but Bresnahan says Josh Smith would be heading to the Lakers in any deal involving the two teams.
1:44pm: The Lakers have been gauging Pau Gasol's trade value in an attempt to acquire a top-10 pick, according to Chad Ford and Marc Stein of ESPN.com. If they were to trade Gasol, the Lakers would be seeking an established player in addition to a lottery pick. The ESPN story backs up an earlier report by Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio, who said the Lakers could be interested in acquiring the Wizards' No. 3 pick in a deal that includes Gasol.
9:36am: A week ago, Lakers VP of player personnel Jim Buss insisted that the team wasn't expecting any major moves or significant shake-ups this summer. However, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link) hears from multiple sources that the Lakers are "very open" to discussing trades involving Pau Gasol. Spears adds that nothing is imminent.
Kobe Bryant remains untouchable and the Lakers consider Andrew Bynum a big part of the club's future, so Gasol appears to represent L.A.'s best chance to make an impact move and perhaps create some cap flexibility. The Spaniard is owed over $38MM for the next two years, so it won't be easy to find a taker for his contract, but he's still productive enough to draw moderate interest.
We've recently heard the Wizards, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies mentioned as possible destinations for Gasol, though one report suggested the Lakers' asking price is too high.
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And enter the Rockets lolllll
But hey if they can get Gasol, Josh Smith, and Eric Gordon then they would be legit.
amare? lol :(
WOW! I love it
Josh smith is one of my favorite players I wish the bulls would try a Noah
For smith deal, it actually makes sense for both teams, the. The bulls could trade boozer, the bobcats pick and martin somewhere for a center. But that being said pau for smith is a solid trade for both teams. Smith is a solid defender, young, and crazy athletic plus he can hit an out side shot. He and Kobe would play very well together.
There is no chance the Lakers get a Top-5 pick for Gasol.