On Saturday night, ESPN Radio 710 in Los Angeles tweeted that the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to trade Pau Gasol to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Andrew Bynum. While the Cavaliers would need to include another player to make the salaries match up, the trade was supposed to be announced on Sunday.
BREAKING NEWS-League sources say Pau/Bynum deal is done and happening Sunday
— ESPNLA 710 Radio (@ESPNLA710) January 5, 2014
Minutes after the news broke, ESPN LA’s Ramona Shelburne tweeted that the Lakers denied that the trade was complete and are still looking for an asset in return for Gasol if they decide to trade him:
Lakers vehemently deny Pau trade is done. Vehemently deny. Aren't budging from stance that they want asset for Gasol
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 5, 2014
While there are conflicting reports, ESPN LA 710 eventually deleted their tweet regarding the trade. However, there’s always a possibility that the trade may still go through as it was reported earlier on Saturday that talks have progressed.
With the Cavaliers determined to make a trade by Sunday, they may be willing to eventually give up a young prospect in exchange for Gasol. Although there have been reports of Cleveland trading for Utah’s Richard Jefferson, Gasol does provide them with the best opportunity to make a playoff run and is also in the final year of his contract. If the Lakers go through with the trade, they will save approximately $20 million in salary and luxury taxes once they waive Bynum.