With Andrew Bynum suspended by the Cavs for conduct detrimental to the team, it appears as if they are ready to was their hands of the big man and are willing to trade him.
Similarly, there’s some strange happenings going on with Pau Gasol out in L.A. It doesn’t appear as if they want him there, nor does it appear as if he wants to be there. So naturally, there’s a possible Bynum return to LA on the horizon at the expense of Pau.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have had discussions on a trade that would involve Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, league sources told ESPN.com.
No deal is believed to be imminent, but both sides are mulling it over ahead of a Jan. 7 deadline when the second half of Bynum’s $12.25 million salary would be guaranteed. The Cavs suspended Bynum for one game this weekend for conduct detrimental to the team and have excused him indefinitely from all activities, including games.
By trading Gasol in a package for Bynum and then waiving him, the injury-ravaged Lakers could save more than $20 million in salaries and luxury taxes, which could help them maintain financial flexibility heading into the next few summers. A Gasol-Bynum trade would have to include at least one other player and perhaps other assets from Cleveland.
The Lakers are reluctant to part with the four-time All-Star in any trade without receiving assets of some value in return, sources said.
H/T: ESPN
