I think something will happen in the next 2 days. Here is some scenarios involving LAL and a 3rd team, considering NOH wants to get young + prospects. Please vote or add others. If there isn't a trade done tomorrow I will add some more options not involving LA. All scenarios are checked in trade checker NOH Trades: CP3 NOH Recieves: Mike Beasley, Anthony Randolph, Wesley Johnson, Darko + Minisotta 1st round pick 2013 + LAL 2012 1st rounder LAL Trades: Pau Gasol + 2012 1st Rounder + 2013 2nd rounder LAL Recieve: CP3 MIN Trades: Mike Beasley, Anthony Randolph, Wesley Johnson, Darko + 2013 1st Min Recieves: Pau + Lakers 2nd 2013 NOH Trades: CP3 NOH Recieves: Serge Ibaka, James Harden, Nate Robinson, Erik Maynor, Nazr Mohammed LAL Trade: Pau + 2012 1st LAL Recieve: CP3 OKC Trades: Ibaka, Harden, Nate Robinson, E.Maynor, Nazr Mohammed OKC Recieves: Pau + Lakers 2012 1st rounder NOH Trades: CP3 NOH Recieve: Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams, Jodie Meeks, 2012 1st Rounder Lakers, 2012 1st rounder Phil LAL Trade: PAU + 2012 1st LAL Recieve: CP3 PhIL Trades: Iguodala, Meeks, Lou Williams, 2012 1st rounder PHIL Recieves: Pau
Pau? I never understand why people think this is a good move for the Hornets. A young team wouldn't give up their young cornerstones for a 32 year-old Gasol on a max deal. Playoff teams certainly would but the Hornets are looking for young players and picks. I hope a darkhorse in these CP3 talks emerge or the Clippers land him. Either or, I just hope the Lake Show strike out.
All 3 young teams have enough assets to stay young while acquiring a player that can help them compete now. That said it would suck to see OKC get in the mix without sending out Westbrook/Durant
It's wishful thinking on LA's part if they think they can pry Harden away for the aging Pau Gasol. Neither package of young players even come close IMO. Iggy is close to 28 and on a big deal. Think more along the lines of Eric Gordon when it comes to the type of players the League wants in return.
Due to CP3's knee injury I'm not sure if hes a upgrade over Westbrook long term. That said I like Harden a lot, I have in on a Tier with OJ Mayo right below that of Gordon/Curry. I think OKC sees the benefit of scoring bigman paired with Durant/Westbrook, its a question of if they believe in Ibaka to improve or not. Pau gives them a shot at the ship for the next 3 years. Iguodala is essentially the same age as CP3, that is the worst deal for the league of the 3 I proposed but I believe Phili may offer more picks/ to take back more contracts. I wouldn't trade Eric Gordon or Curry for CP3 based on how both of those rosters are constructed.
If I was any of the third teams, i would not give up that for Pau Gasol, especially OKC, I wouldn't give up either Harden or Ibaka for Pau. As for Minnesota, i think Pau's play would revert to what it was in Memphis, uninspired. Philadelphia, I consider Igudola about same value as Pau but younger and then throw in two young guys and a first round pick? Never.