One Player the Cavs Could Trade For: Sacramento Kings
Apr 2, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Cavaliers off-season won’t start for a little while but that doesn’t stop us from looking forward to what could happen. We will look at every team in the NBA, starting from the worst record to the best, and one player from each team that the Cavs could trade for. The player would have to be somewhat available, Kevin Durant is getting traded, a trade that would be approved by the NBA will be presented and the player would have to fit with the Cavaliers. You can click on the team and player below to check out our previous posts.
So Far: Bucks – L. Sanders 76ers – T. Young Magic – A. Afflalo Jazz – E. Kanter Celtics – J. Green Lakers – Draft Pick
Player – Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay is a veteran small forward who has a player option for this year. Gay most likely will opt in to his contract, which would be the only way this trade could go through. Travis Outlaw would be the next available player from the Kings for the Cavaliers. Gay is a high usage offensive player who has struggled with quicker wings over the last couple years. The Toronto Raptors traded Gay in what seemed like a tanking move, but became better without him. Last year Gay averaged 20 points a game on 45% shooting including shooting 33% from the 3 point line. He also averaged 6 rebounds, 3 assists along with almost 1 block and 1.5 steals a game. He averaged over 16 shots a game.
Fit With Cavaliers
The Cavs need a small forward. Gay is a small forward. He has the ability to score often and is an adequate defender at times. With the Cavs he could fit if he adjusts his ball needy ways. With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters already on the team the 3 players will have to use Training Camp to find a rhythm in usage of the ball. Gay is a short term fix but has the talent needed to help get the Cavs over the hump. He may not be a perfect fit but he is better then running out an Alonzo Gee, or equivalent, again next year.
Why the Kings Could Trade Him
The Kings are rebuilding and having Gay on the team didn’t help the process this year, why assume it will next year. He would have a huge contract then be free to leave without the Kings getting anything in return. Making a trade with the Cavs frees up playing time for Derrick Williams at the 3 and whoever they choose to draft. With such a big contract the Cavs may balk at this year’s first rounder for Gay but if no other small forward option is available might have to move it.
Trade Proposal(s)
The Kings trade Rudy Gay to the Cavaliers for a Top 5 Protected Pick starting in 2015 and Sergey Karasev or
The Kings trade Rudy Gay, Jason Terry and a ’14 Second Round Pick to the Cavaliers for Cavaliers’ 2014 First Round Pick.
Result
Either the Kings give up Terry, a veteran guard/presence for the Cavs, and a 2nd rounder to get the Cavs ’14 first rounder or they get a protected pick starting in ’15 and young Sergey Karasev. The Kings can let Karasev develop with some minutes at the 3 spot while waiting for the pick the following year or could cash in Gay and filler, to them, to get a pick this year that they could match up with Boogie Cousins, Ben McLemore and their own first round pick.
The Cavs get Gay to solidify their rotation and to help the young players develop. Gay, as he ages, has developed some back to the basket moves to accent the play of the perimeter oriented Irving and Waiters. The Cavs get a year to decide how Gay fits with their team and to help their young players grow. Terry would give them more veteran savvy off the bench and the 2nd round pick would give them a gamble pick in a deep draft. Or they give up a protected future pick and use their first rounder on Gay’s future replacement.
Do you think the Kings have any reason to keep Gay? Do you think he fits with the Cavs at all? Would you rather have Outlaw? Which of the 2 trade options do you like the best?
Up Next: Detroit Pistons