Grizzlies Reportedly Offering Zach Randolph for Pau Gasol

[STL Don]

NBA Trade Rumors: Grizzlies Reportedly Offering Zach Randolph for Pau Gasol

In one of the juiciest offseason rumors to emerge thus far, the Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly offered to trade Zach Randolph and another piece to the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol, according to Peter Vecsey of the

This is a fascinating development on many fronts.

First of all, two playoff teams don't just swap All-Star power forwards every day. This would send seismic shock waves throughout the Western Conference, as the Lakers are a perennial title contender, while the Grizzlies have been a scary dark-horse contender each of the last two seasons.

Both clearly needed some retooling after early playoff exits, but a potential trade of this magnitude—particularly on the Grizzlies' end—was highly unexpected.

Randolph has had plenty of off-court issues in the past, but he was an unstoppable force in the 2011 playoffs, when he averaged 22.2 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. He suffered a torn knee ligament that hindered him this past season, but at just 30 years of age, he likely has years of productive basketball ahead of him.

Gasol has been equally valuable in Los Angeles, helping lead the Lakers to consecutive titles in 2008-09 and 2009-10. Although he has become a scapegoat for their recent troubles, Gasol has averaged at least 17.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in all four of his seasons with the Lakers.

If this deal goes through, Gasol would return to his former team and play alongside his brother, Marc, while Randolph would form a menacing frontcourt duo in L.A. with Andrew Bynum.

Nothing has been made official yet, but we will have all the latest updates for you when they become available.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1...-for-pau-gasol

I'll pretty much crap my pants. I hope Mitch does not hesitate.

[NoahH]

Hmmmm.... IDK what to say about this one. I mean Randolph is coming off injury and Gasol going back to Memphis? Damn

[Raps08-09 Champ]

dey wat?

boat teams win.

[Hellcrooner]

doubt lakers accept.

Maybe if they make it a three way that sends Zbo to hell and someting good to lakers it would be intriguing.

Of course id be happy to have both gasols on a team. then trade Ballhogay for Igoudala and its a great team.

[gatkins11]

Two words:

Bleacher Report

[NoahH]

Two words:

Bleacher Report

Its not very reliable.. haha

[Vinny642]

Lakers should be happy to get a younger Zach, especially because he is a better (and younger) PF in the playoffs

[KB-Pau-DH2012]

Bleacher report.....and Peter Vescey.

Um yea, close thread.

[raiderposting]

from my prospective gasol doesn't even want to be in LA anymore after all this drama, if he could of picked one team, i think it will be this one. How fun would it be to be starting along side your bro? Gasol/Gasol/Gay/Mayo/Conley is pretty dangerous if they can sign a couple players too.

[*Silver&Black*]

Great trade for both teams. Randolph could be great for the Lakers. () Maybe if Lakers throw in a 1st it could be fair.

[*Silver&Black*]

Bleacher report.....and Peter Vescey.

Um yea, close thread.

Rumors are Rumors, even if they are started by a writer (right LA Times?). I say keep it open.

[rickshaw]

Kobe Zbo and Bynum. That would blow up fast.

[shep33]

I will guarantee that the Lakers say no. ZBo is coming off of injury and is still owed $51 mill.

[STL Don]

Maybe Bleacher report isn't all that reliable most the time but this could very easily be a real possibility.

It makes a lot of sense for both teams who are each in need of a roster shakeup.
Zach Randolph has a very aggressive old school style who plays the boards relentless. He will not let the presence of Andrew Bynum effect his game. He just like Gasol, can open up his mid-range game when needed as well.
Pau would get the chance to return to a city that has much love for him and also a chance to play with his brother which would form a very nice duo upfront for the Grizz. I can see them both taking the game seriously and play at a very competitive level.
LA is also seeking a move up into the 1st round which could also represent the other piece that could be in the deal.

This could also help LA more in finding a trade partner for MWP in acquiring the pick which they could use possibly to move up even higher.

[soundjunkies2]

No thanks.

He's still owed a bunch of money and is about the same age as Pau. I don't see any reason why the Lakers would be interested in this.