Memphis president Jerry West acknowledged a reported conversation with the Chicago Bulls in regards to Pau Gasol.

"The conversation was brief," West said. "But we're not giving him away. This franchise won't give him away. Period."

"If we trade Pau we're looking to substantially improve the team for the future or we would be looking to get more picks in this draft," owner Michael Heisley said. "If we can improve the team, we would trade Pau. But there's a difference when you've made up your mind like with Jason Williams and Bonzi Wells. Pau Gasol is not available in that sense. I don't make trades. But if Jerry came to me with a trade that would improve this team, Pau will be traded. Jerry is always exploring possibilities."