Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers tried to complete a deal that centered around Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Since the Cavaliers did not want to part with a young prospect or a future first round draft pick, the deal is on hold for now.
To ensure that Bynum passed his physical, the Lakers wanted to complete the trade before the Tuesday deadline. Although Los Angeles is leaving tomorrow to start their road trip, both teams will continue to talk according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:
While there was disappointment a resolution was not reached by Sunday night, there is an expectation that talks between the teams would continue into Monday, sources said.
Although the Lakers believe they should receive more for Gasol, the Cavaliers feel that they are helping them financially. If the trade goes through, the Lakers will save more than $20 million in salary and luxury taxes.
With Cleveland determined to trade Bynum before his contract becomes fully guaranteed on January 7, they are also considering Utah’s offer that features Richard Jefferson. However, if they want to make a playoff push this season, Gasol is clearly their best option.
Since the trade rumors have heated up, Gasol has played extremely well so far and it has not affected him. After sitting out a couple games due to a respiratory ailment, Gasol had 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 8 assists against Utah.
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