Pau Gasol Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Lakers Star

Los Angeles Lakers veteran center Pau Gasol has long been the subject of trade rumors. However, with his contract set to expire at season's end, he could soon be in a new home. 

Updates from Tuesday, Feb. 4

There appears to be a bit of a roadblock in the trade talks between the Phoenix Suns and Lakers. According to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, the asking price is just too high for Phoenix to bite on the Gasol offer: 

"

Suns stop trade talks with Lakers for Gasol, say asking price is too steep. http://t.co/bmS250lj4R

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) February 5, 2014"

"

Still time for Gasol talks to resume before Feb. 20 deadline but there needs to be compromise on which 1st rounder Lakers get.

— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) February 5, 2014"

The Lakers, perhaps somewhat wishfully, still believe that compromise could be found, per ESPN Los Angeles' Ramona Shelburne: 

"

Lakers do not believe talks with Phoenix for Gasol are over, I'm told. Expect talks with Suns and other teams to cont until 2/20 deadline

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 5, 2014"

Earlier today, ESPN's Shelburne and Marc Stein reported that the Phoenix Suns are cautious heading into trade negotiations with the Lakers due to Pau Gasol's injuries woes:

"

The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns engaged in a fresh round of trade discussions Monday focused on four-time All-Star center Pau Gasol as both sides continued to assess their options in advance of the Feb. 20 trade deadline, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. 

Sources told ESPN.com that, while there is substantive interest on both sides, it's believed Suns officials want to see how Gasol recovers from a strained groin before deciding whether to take talks to the next level.

"