Grizzlies not 'running around' looking for Gasol deal

Pau Gasol says it's a "better situation" in Memphis now than it was a year ago. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

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The Grizzlies' slow start has fueled anew talk of a Pau Gasol trade, but here's a crude reminder for any team hoping to strike oil by stealing the 7-foot Spaniard out of Memphis: Gasol-ine doesn't come cheap.

"Pau's already a proven commodity," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said, while insisting he's not looking to deal his franchise forward. "He's proven he's a double-double player. He's a difficult matchup for the other team. He scores the ball easily in the post. Those are things that are very difficult to go out and replace."

Wallace took a moment the other day to address speculation that the Bulls could target Gasol if their season continues to go south. The two teams discussed a deal last year before Chicago ultimately decided it wasn't willing to give up Luol Deng. Now some fans and media members are thinking GM John Paxson should take another look, especially with the Kobe Bryant trade talks dead for now. The fact that Memphis has limped out to a 2-5 start, with Gasol playing up and down, has only added to the conjecture.

But there are some things Chicago fans should remember before replacing those chants of "Kobe, Kobe, Kobe" at the United Center with the Al Capone-like rat-a-tat of "Pau, Pau, Pau."

First, the Grizzlies have no reason to trade Gasol -- at least right now. Despite its rocky start, Memphis appears to be headed in the right direction. With a new coach (Marc Iavaroni) and some promising young players (Rudy Gay, Darko Milicic, Mike Conley Jr., Juan Carlos Navarro), the Grizzlies are not going to suddenly break it up.

Second, unlike a year ago, Gasol isn't asking for a trade.

Third, it would still likely take Deng or Ben Gordon, as well as Andres Nocioni (whom the Grizzlies made a run at last summer as a free agent) and a young player or draft pick, to get a deal done for a former All-Star who averaged 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds a year ago.

"In the NBA, you can never say never," Wallace said. "Allen Iverson was traded. Shaquille O'Neal was traded. Kevin Garnett was traded. Those things do occur. But Pau has been very enthusiastic about what's going on here with the players we've brought in and the system Marc Iavaroni has put into place.

"We're not out there running around shopping him, I can tell you that."

Circumstances could change, of course. The Grizzlies could continue to struggle, prompting management to rethink its long-term strategy. Gasol's remaining contract -- three years and $49 million after this season -- also could come into play. Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley has the team up for sale and could decide he wants to cut payroll.

The fact that the Grizzlies also have another big man in Milicic to handle the post duties if necessary also makes things easier.

For now, though, it seems like a longshot for potential suitors like the Bulls, Nets (who also made a run at Gasol a year ago) or the Lakers (who need help for Bryant). Gasol said he's content with the direction of the club, and he's tried to mend fences with Memphis fans. He even purchased 500 tickets to give out at a pep rally before the first game.

"Every player is [tradable]," he said with a shrug after Wednesday night's loss in Milwaukee. "That's up to [the GM] and the owner. ... Right now, I'm trying to focus on the team and that's what you've got to do, worry about the present. If something happens, it happens.

"But it's definitely a better situation around here than last year."

Conley's learning curve

Conley has had to wait patiently for his chance in Memphis. The No. 4 overall pick from Ohio State is stuck behind veteran Damon Stoudamire and second-year point guard Kyle Lowry. He got two DNP-CDs in the first five games.

Conley did get a chance to play early in Wednesday's game against the Bucks, and he showed why he's considered a potential star. After Lowry got in early foul trouble, the 6-foot lefty came in and hit both of his field goal attempts while dishing out three assists (with one turnover) in 10 minutes. Iavaroni was impressed enough that he kept Conley in late in the game alongside Lowry in a small backcourt.

"I'm just trying to be patient," said Conley, who finished with six points and six assists (with the one turnover) in 18 minutes. "It's a learning experience."

Conley also got some words of encouragement before the game from Bucks guard and fellow Buckeye Michael Redd.

"I told him just be patient, learn, find the good in every situation," said Redd, who was stuck on the bench behind Ray Allen and barely played in his rookie season in Milwaukee. "He's eventually going to be a starter in this league. He's talented enough, gifted enough. He's still young. He's only [20]. But he's got a good attitude. He's going to be just fine."