NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Could Use Pau Gasol
By Ti Windisch
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets just might be the biggest disappointment in the NBA this season. Houston was seen as a legitimate title contender by many this summer, but after face-planting early the Rockets seem to be clearly below the contention tier.
Unless they can make a big deal before the deadline, that is. Pau Gasol could add a lot to this team, both on but especially off the floor. There have always been quiet leadership concerns about James Harden, but if Gasol could work with Kobe Bryant then he can probably get along with the Beard too.
As far as what the Rockets would have to give up to get Pau, Trevor Ariza matches his salary and fills a big hole in Chicago, but the Bulls might want more than the struggling swingman in exchange for Gasol.
A three-team deal might work, though. Dwight Howard is rumored to be a trade target of the Boston Celtics. Maybe a three way deal moves D12 to Boston, Gasol to Houston and some mix of pieces from either team to Chicago.
The logistics aren’t the prettiest, but Houston GM Daryl Morey finds a way to make these things work out. It would be no surprise to see him go for a big name like Pau Gasol to bolster his squad before the postseason.
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