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**MemphisX** · 01-21-2007, 06:28 AM

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Sources throughout the NBA disclose the 7-foot Gasol, an elite post-up performer, as tough a cover as there is within 15 feet of the rim, suddenly is eminently obtainable. Distressed at management's rebuilding-with-adolescence mood, the 271/2-year-old has asked to be traded to a playoff-positioned ensemble that, of course, would be instantly transformed into a legit title contender.

The offended Grizzlies aim to oblige.

I put this out there with utter certainty. Infallible informers report Grizzlies president Jerry West has explored prospective trade arrangements with at least three teams regarding Gasol. In order to protect my sources, the only one I'm willing to identify for the time being is the Bulls.

That may be enough. Obviously, Gasol's low-dock dealing (averaged 18.5 points on 50.5 field-goal accuracy his first five seasons as a pro before missing most of this season due to foot surgery) is what Chicago's off-shore drilling outfit needs.

The Bulls also own what Memphis wants, namely Luol Deng ($2.6 million) and Ben Gordon ($3.86M). In order to satisfy salary/transaction specs, Chicago would have to include P.J. Brown ($8.56M). I'm told the Grizzlies are prepared to add Hakim Warrick ($1.2M) to a pot that so far does not include draft picks; Gasol currently is on the books for $12.8M and is owed $63M over the next four seasons.

That's as far as the exchange of ideas has progressed, so I'm told. As enthralled as Bulls vice president John Paxson surely must be by the opportunity to fill his team's lone conspicuous cavity, people in the organization claim he won't pull that particular trigger.

"Giving up Gordon and Deng would be very difficult," a Bulls insider insisted. "John will never go there. Not even if Scott Skiles and the rest of the coaching staff is beating on him to make that swap, which isn't the case."

As rapper DMX woofs, "Bad decisions lead to last decisions." Parting with the pair might prove to be just that bad, the same Bulls insider feels.

"Does Pau get you to the promised land minus both those players? We doubt it. He's an All-Star-caliber player, no question. But we're not sure he can be the best player on a playoff team expected to accomplish something significant," the insider said.

If the Bulls go strictly by what the Grizzlies failed to accomplish (0-12) in three straight playoff trips with Gasol as their leading scorer (20 ppg), I suppose that answers that. Rather than surrender both Gordon and Deng, I suspect Paxson prefers to roll the dice and hope inside force Tyrus Thomas matures faster than your average NBA toddler.

But don't misunderstand; this negotiation is only in its infancy. What's more, now that Gasol's availability is public, the bidding for his services figures to take a quantum leap.

**talula** · 01-21-2007, 09:19 AM

Good. Now if only some team will take Brian Cardinal with him.

**OneBadLT123** · 01-21-2007, 10:12 AM

come to houston, he would be a great addition along side yao

**Cinco de Mayo** · 01-21-2007, 04:11 PM

Vescey.

But if this is true and not the demon monkeys in Vescey's head, then that's that. Hope he's accommodated and that we get more out of it than what we're expecting to get.

Adding Stoudamire or Cardinal in for Sweetney or whoever would be terrific.

Time to go read the Grizz.com board for more info.

**talula** · 01-22-2007, 09:40 AM

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When the going gets tough, the tough ... ask to be traded?

Awwwwww, Pau.

What a disappointment. What a blow for those of us who have defended the guy for so long.

"He's really not soft," we argued.

"He's actually an incredible competitor," we told everyone.

And now Pau Gasol has asked to be traded because the Grizzlies are having a bad season.

Hey, maybe we were wrong.

Gasol has dispatched his agent, Arn Tellem, to find him another team. Jerry West, the Grizzlies president of basketball operations, has acknowledged talking to the Chicago Bulls about a deal.

Gasol told The CA's Ron Tillery that he didn't want to comment "because I don't want it to be a distraction to me or the team."

Right.

Like asking to be traded isn't a distraction? Like looking for an exit doesn't say something to the players who share the locker room?

As much as anyone else, Gasol is responsible for the Grizzlies' hideous year. He broke his foot playing for Spain in the World Championships. The Grizzlies -- who are paying him more than $12 million this season -- never uttered a critical word.

"You have to understand, Pau loves his country," West said. "That's part of what makes him the great player he is."

Pretty darn gracious, eh? But, then, when haven't the Grizzlies been supportive of Gasol?

They hung with him while he learned the league his rookie year. They shipped Jason Williams and Bonzi Wells out because they were too hard on their sensitive star.

Then they paid Gasol the maximum allowed by the NBA, a six-year, $86-million contract extension that symbolized their faith in him.

"We believe in Pau Gasol," said West.

And he repays them with this.

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