Pau Gasol is almost certain to be traded to the Suns. However, a groin injury that sidelined him kept the trade on hold. Phoenix actually wants a player they can use in the playoffs, as they have next to zero experience. Is Pau the man they're looking for?

The Phoenix Suns should be a model for all tanking teams. They have tons of cap space and they have multiple draft picks in a reportedly loaded draft. They are in a perfect position to experiment with Pau Gasol. They can afford to lose a pick in the mid to late first round and Emeka Okafor's contract and they will have an experienced big man. If the 'experiment' does not work out, they will have $19 million more of cap space to throw at the horde of free agents this year.

Yet, they are playing their cards right. Acquiring Pau Gasol is low-risk, but they can use the Okafor contract and the first round pick in a package for a better, younger player (ex.Kevin Love). They are not under any pressure and they are also attractive to free agents despite not being a big market team. They have a good coach that can win without a superstar (if Goran Dragic is not considered as one yet).

How about the Lakers? Pau is a top citizen of LA. It's not easy to part with him. But they really have no choice. On the question that Pau Gasol should be traded before the trade deadline, fact or fiction, some experts weigh in:

ESPN J.A. Adande: "Fact..If they're not going to make the playoffs with Gasol and he doesn't figure into their long-term plans, it's time to finally make a Gasol trade rumor become reality."

TrueHoop Ethan Strauss: "Fact. It's time to sell high on your 33-year-old big man's hot streak. In theory, it should take years before the Lakers are good enough to where Gasol can help them win titles. And by the time they get there, he will be too old to help. It's better to trade his expiring contract now. It's tank time."

Phoenix has said that it wants to see Pau return from the groin injury before they pull the trigger. This is how you do it, Knicks.