NBA Trade Rumors 2014: Pau Gasol Trade Talks Stall, Phoenix Suns Believe Lakers Asking for Too Much

The trade discussion between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns involving Pau Gasol is in limbo, as reports indicated on Tuesday that the Suns stopped talking to the Lakers.

The LA Times reported that Phoenix took a step back from the negotiations, with sources saying that the Suns felt the Lakers were asking for too much in return for Gasol.

Previous reports indicated that the Suns were offering the $14.5 million expiring contract of Emeka Okafor in a deal that would save the Lakers $4.8 million in salary and would put them $3 million away from the luxury tax threshold.

Sources said that the Lakers asked for one of the Suns' four possible first round picks in the 2014 NBA Draft. The Suns are willing to trade away one of those picks, but the Lakers are reportedly insisting they receive the most valuable among those four picks.

The Lakers are allegedly asking for the picks that could come from the Washington Wizards or the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wizards' pick is Top 12-protected this year, while the Timberwolves' pick is Top 13-protected.

The Suns also have their own first round pick and the Indiana Pacers' first round pick, but both picks are not expected to fall within the Top 20 since both teams are performing well this season.

The Suns look reluctant to trade away their picks that could turn into gems since the 2014 Draft is expected to feature one of best batches of rookies in recent years.

Gasol, who is playing in the final year of his contract that pays him $19.3 million this season, could also walk away in the offseason and sign elsewhere. The Suns might reconsider if Gasol makes a commitment to stay in Phoenix beyond this season.

Aside from the risk of losing Gasol for nothing in the offseason, ESPN Los Angeles also reported that the Suns are taking a careful approach after the 33-year-old center went down with a groin injury.

The Suns reportedly want to determine how Gasol will recover from a strained groin. Reports indicated that Gasol will likely be out for at least two weeks.

Talks between the Lakers and the Suns are expected to resume before the Feb. 20 trade deadline.