With the 2011 NBA Draft coming on Thursday, the trade rumors are percolating and about to reach a boiling point. For the Lakers, that means potentially trading Pau Gasol to Minnesota for Kevin Love, the number two pick in the draft, or both. However, the Lakers' power forward said on Tuesday that he wishes to remain in Los Angeles.
The talk of Gasol to the Timberwolves has gained a bit of steam in the last few days, though the two sides aren't anywhere close to a deal. Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld details the scenario, which basically involves Minnesota GM David Kahn wanting to pair up the Spaniard with his countryman Ricky Rubio, who will join the T-Wolves next season. However, the two sides are far apart because the Lakers want both Love and the number two pick (perhaps L.A. native Derrick Williams) for Gasol, while Minnesota thinks the number two pick and "filler" will get a deal done.
For his part, Gasol wants no part of a trade. "My desire is to stay with the Lakers. I don’t have control over it but I want to stay with the Lakers for as many years as I can to be able to remain eligible for the maximum possible championships," Gasol told reporters, according to Slam. Gasol has three years remaining on his contract, which will pay him $18,714,150 next season.
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