NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Expert Reaction to Pau Gasol Rumors

Yesterday, ESPN's John Hollinger indicated that Pau Gasol is the one genuine All-Star caliber player who is likely to be traded.

Also yesterday, there were rumblings concerning the Chicago Bulls vying for Gasol, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

These signs seem to convey that Gasol will be moving prior to Thursday's deadline.

Actually, not so fast.

While the Lakers are talking to other teams about potential trades for Gasol, it's clear that they're expecting to land a "star-type talent" in return for the 31 year old.

This is where things get complicated.

Most teams aren't willing to give up the "star-type talent" the Lakers are looking for to land Gasol, who is still productive but is beginning to enter the "past his prime" category.

For instance, the Houston Rockets are unwilling to include blossoming young point guard Kyle Lowry in a deal for Gasol, who is surely needed to make such a deal work.

And Chicago, while clearly interested in Gasol, has yet to create a package that's enticing for Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Bulls offered Carlos Boozer and C.J. Watson, but that was not enough for the Lakers to pull the trigger.

The Lakers apparently countered that deal by asking for a package of Joakim Noah, a second player believed to be Watson and two first-round picks. But this was of no interest to Chicago and their talks ended.

As you can see, things have gotten rather tricky in these various scenarios.

What makes this even more tricky is that the Lakers apparently turned down a Rajon Rondo for Pau Gasol swap. Rondo's an All-Star point guard and he's only 26, so if they don't want him for Gasol, then what is Gasol's asking price?

It's obviously high and it will most likely scare most teams away.

Because of this, don't be surprised if the Lakers end up hanging onto Gasol, despite the waves of rumors that have been swooping from every direction.

For a deal to happen, the Lakers are going to have to realize that teams are unwilling to spend a great deal to land a veteran who's entering the latter stage of his career. Until then, don't expect a squad to overbid for the savvy Spaniard.