The NBA Trade Rumors have either been confirmed or debunked at this point. Most of the panic trades did not happen, and tanking teams stood pat after no one gave up draft picks.

That must be a record. There were zero 2014 first round draft picks that changed hands. The draft should be really good, or else, the trade deadline next year will be composed of disappointed GMs blaming the media for overy-hyping the rookies.

Pau Gasol is an expiring contract, and nobody wanted to give up an asset, especially a first draft pick on a player who they can sign in the summer. It all worked out for Spain's best player.

So what now for Pau? He will play well until the end of the season to increase his contract value, but he must not play well enough to win games. Nevertheless, it's still a victory for Gasol.

NBC caught up with Pau on the Lakers practice session, one hour after the trade deadline lapsed:  "I'm still here, so the team still values me. I'm not going to take any credit for something that is out of my control. That type of situation is not pleasant for anyone, for any player.

Gasol now understands that trade rumors are part of the business. "No grudges, no hard feelings."

"I'm just glad that there are a lot of teams interested in me. That's a good sign. That means you're valuable."

Pau has been rumored to be traded for some of the best players in the game: Thaddeus Young, Kevin Love, Rajon Rondo and Zach Randolph.

After the season, it is now Gasol's turn to call the shots. He will not be a commodity on the trades and be threatened with transferring against his will. He is a free agent and he can choose any city, any team that wants him. Will he still choose Los Angeles even if it means taking a pay cut?

His response was vague: "I don't think it changes a whole lot. I'm going to go through what I have on the table and make the decision that is the best for me."

"I appreciate the fact that I've remained here. More than anything else, I appreciate the love of the fans that have showed throughout these couple years that have been rougher. My name has been on the line a lot, so I appreciate their support and their loyalty."