NBA Trade Rumors: Teams That Still Want to Deal for Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol has been in trade rumor news since the beginning of the season. He's having a great year, both statistically and in ways that can't be measured. He's averaging 16.8 points per game, 10.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists. However, there are many teams out there that would like to have him on their roster and are willing to pay for it, and the Los Angeles Lakers are listening.

The first of these teams is the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Sam Amick of SI.com. There's been talk about the Lakers wanting Michael Beasley, according to CBS Sports' Ken Berger. Since he makes considerably less money than Pau, it would have to be a package deal.

A big draw for the T-Wolves wanting Pau is the 1-2 punch that he and Kevin Love would give the team—since they would be losing Beasely, they wouldn't lose any height in the trade. Also, it gives Pau the chance to play with fellow countryman Ricky Rubio.

The second team is the Chicago Bulls. According to SheridanHoops.com, Derrick Rose, the cornerstone of Chicago's organization, has made it known that he wants to play with Gasol if management is able to make it happen. With the Bulls trying to find their edge on the competition, Gasol's experience, height and ability to play with a star player, like Rose, would be invaluable.

The problem with this trade is what the Lakers would get in return. Gasol will make $38 million in the next two seasons, and there aren't many players, other than Rose, who are attractive in a deal (that matches up with salary and contract length). Boozer is the only player who would come close to an even trade for Gasol, but his stats aren't as good. This season he averages 15.1 points, 8.20 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Another team interested in Gasol's talents has been in the news since the beginning of the season. The Houston Rockets tried to acquire Gasol in the failed Chris Paul trade preseason, and their interest hasn't let up, according to Amick again.

This type of deal is attractive to the Lakers because they need a point guard, and the Rockets have them. However, this would mean a loss of height, which is a big part of what is keeping the Lakers afloat right now. This team, however, has the most pieces that can be moved around to fit the salary requirements and the needs of both teams.

Gasol met with GM Mitch Kupchak earlier this week about all the trade rumors, but after their two straight losses on the road, it seems like the team and fans are getting restless, and something needs to be done.

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, "Sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com this week that there is growing concern among some Lakers players as to whether first-year coach Mike Brown and his staff have the X-and-O wherewithal to fix a Lakers offense that is averaging its lowest per-game point total (94) since before the advent of the 24-second shot clock in 1954-55."

Pau Gasol's future remains uncertain until the trade deadline passes. He's an asset on the Lakers, but that value can bring the team some pieces where they really need it.