It’s a pretty difficult judgment call, as the Kings have a legitimate shot at the playoffs but not title contention. The Kings aren’t “shopping” Gay - they’re not looking to just dump him for anything. Gay isn’t exactly in his prime, but he’s still a true wing scoring threat. (Gay, 29, is scheduled to earn $13.3 million from the Kings next season before he’s forced to decide on a $14.3 million player option in 2017-18). Or a player they like with at least one year left on his contract after this season, which would give the Kings some insulation against trading for someone in February who turns around and leaves town in July. Sacramento is said to be seeking a quality young player in return if it parts with Gay. But when you look at the pillars of talent, specifically in terms of scoring talent, Rudy Gay is still a significant asset as the team’s second-leading scorer (18 PPG).ĮSPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Kings are willing to consider a trade for Gay: The likelihood of any of these trades taking place are slim, but never say never when talking about the National Basketball Association.The Sacramento Kings are a half-game out of the playoffs, largely due to the play of DeMarcus Cousins and the league’s assist leader, Rajon Rondo. Prior to trading for Gay, the Kings were in need of help on the wing, and in need of another starting-caliber player to put alongside Isaiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins.
Los Angeles would then have Cousins, Teague and the Los Angeles market to pitch to top free agents for the next years to come. Next: Three Trades to Move Dallas Up in the Draft They would get Atlanta’s 21st pick in the deal where they could still add a young talented player to the roster. Bringing back Jordan Clarkson would then be a top priority. Jeff Teague would come in to being their starting point guard right away and suddenly the Lakers have two young players in arguably their prime. Getting DeMarcus Cousins would be arguably the biggest franchise move since obtaining Shaquille O’Neal from Orlando. Los Angeles: This trade would put the Lakers back on the map in the West and more importantly, free agency. Brandon Ingram would most likely be their selection as he would join Russell, Randle and Cauley-Stein in the new era of Kings basketball. Korver and Williams would provide both veteran leadership and outside shooting they desperately have missed. First off, you would be getting two young studs in D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle that would be exciting for a fan base. Sacramento: The inevitable trade of DeMarcus Cousins finally takes place, but the return price is one the Kings couldn’t refuse. With the 8th pick, Atlanta would most likely look to draft one of the remaining wing prospects in the top-tier of draft prospects.
Rudy Gay: Utah Jazz: San Antonio Spurs: George Hill: Milwaukee Bucks: Philadelphia 76ers (Waived on August 3). Gay would team up nicely with Millsap and Horford on the front line. Bol Bol (from Denver) PJ Dozier (from Denver) To. They would get their small forward in Rudy Gay that they have missed since the departure of DeMarre Carroll. Losing fan favorite Kyle Korver would hurt, but the focus on bringing back Kent Bazemore would be a top priority. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports / Lakers Receive: DeMarcus Cousins, Jeff Teague, 21st pick (ATL) Hawks Receive: Rudy Gay and 8th pick (SAC) Kings Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Kyle Korver, Nick Young, Lou Williams and 2nd pick (LAL).Ītlanta: The Hawks would finally deal Jeff Teague and let Dennis Schroeder take the reigns of the team. Sacramento, CA, USA Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call during the second quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Sleep Train Arena.