Lakers, Bulls Finalizing Sign-And-Trade Involving Pau Gasol?
[new_royalslider id=”286″]

UPDATE (1:02 PM PST): According to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Lakers are now engaged in a three-team trade centered around Pau Gasol to acquire one or two draft picks with no players coming back for now:

UPDATE (10:56 AM PST): According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Lakers will delay the signing of Nick Young to work out a sign-and-trade for Pau Gasol to the Chicago Bulls:

UPDATE (10:51 PM PST): According to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, Pau Gasol and the Chicago Bulls are working to complete an agreement:

[divide]

The Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls appear to be on the verge of a sign-and-trade involving free agent Pau Gasol, according to Marca.com via Twitter.

Although Carmelo Anthony hasn’t announced his decision in free agency, the writing appears to be on the wall that he’ll either sign with the Bulls or return to the New York Knicks. Anthony will likely make his decision at some point during the weekend with the Los Angeles Lakers seemingly no longer an option.

Lakers Nation Store Is Back! Check Out The Latest Gear!

With the Lakers no longer in contention for Carmelo, Gasol decided to go elsewhere in an effort to play for a contender. The San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Bulls were all interested in Gasol, but San Antonio and Chicago emerged as the frontrunners.

If Carmelo decides to head to Chicago, as it appears he will, the Bulls will be a legitimate threat to come out of the Eastern Conference next season. Derrick Rose will be healthy and Carmelo could be on his way to the Windy City making their own Big 3 to compete with LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers.

Along with potentially landing Carmelo and having a healthy Rose back in the mix, the Bulls also have a solid bench and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah leading the way in the frontcourt. Gasol and company would become legitimate title contenders in the East with arguably one of the best head coaches in the league on the sidelines in Tom Thibodeau.

As for the Lakers, there’s been no indication of which players or assets that might be sent to Los Angeles. Veteran forward Carlos Boozer has been mentioned frequently as a potential trade chip for the Bulls to send to the Lakers, but it is uncertain if the team is willing to bring him in.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Jeremy Lin Traded To Lakers


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: L.A. Not Interested In Including Austin Reaves Or Max Christie In Trade Package For Nets’ Kyrie Irving

Things are beginning to heat up ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline with Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving requesting a trade…

Lakers Rumors: Front Office Hasn’t Spoken To LeBron James About Plans Beyond 2023-24 Season

Although Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James remains one of the best players in the league at age 39, it’s clear that he’s unable…

NBA Rumors: Pacers Declined Lakers’ Offer Of Kyle Kuzma & 22nd Pick For 13th Pick

As the NBA Draft approaches on Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will have a number of options for their No. 22 pick…

NBA Free Agent Rumors: Blazers’ CJ McCollum Hints At Paul George Signing With Lakers Or Clippers

As the Los Angeles Lakers are currently preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft and free agency, the major question is…