The Toronto Raptors are showing interest in veteran power forward Pau Gasol, according to reports.
Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported on Thursday the Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves have tried to “engage in trade discussions” for Gasol with the Los Angeles Lakers but they are said to be holding off talks for now.
The report comes a day after CBS Sports said Gasol would be the most likely fit for the Raptors but general manager Bryan Colangelo has shown “no willingness” to move Andrea Bargnani, whose recent play has made him the subject of trade rumours.
Both outlets mentioned the Italian forward and point guard Jose Calderon as part of a possible trade package that the Raptors could use to get Gasol if he became available on the trade market.
Some believe the 32-year-old is a poor fit for Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni’s offence. ESPNLosAngles.com reported earlier in the week that the Lakers may need to explore a deal if Gasol is unable to adjust to D’Antoni’s offence.
The 32-year-old Spaniard is scheduled to earn $19 million in 2012-13 and just over $19 million in 2013-14.
ESPNLosAngeles reported earlier this week that Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak has advised Gasol’s representatives that the Lakers will have no choice but to start exploring a trade if the former All-Star is unable to eventually adjust to D’Antoni’s system.
Calderon is in the final year of his contract and the Lakers are currently missing point guards Steve Nash and Steve Blake.
Bargnani is averaging 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 18 games with the Raptors this season while Gasol is averaging 12.6 points, 8.8 points, and 1.2 blocks for the Lakers.
