Rudy Gay (Photo : Getty Images)
As the trade deadline nears, several rumors and scenarios are being thrown out to teams and players linked to the rumor mill.
Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay is one of the many who has been linked to a mid-season move, and while there is no definite landing spot for the wingman yet, reuniting him with the Toronto Raptors seems one intriguing option before the trade deadline.
ESPN's Marc Stein revealed last week that the Kings are willing to trade Gay to other teams albeit for a deal that would give Sacramento quality pieces in return.
"Sacramento is said to be seeking a quality young player in return if it parts with Gay," Stein noted. "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."
Gay has been linked to teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat, who are both looking for a talented wing. Interestingly, the Raptors are also looking to trade for a wing, as reported by Stein via Twitter.
ESPN sources say Toronto is among the teams expressing trade interest in Suns swingman P.J. Tucker in advance of the Feb. 18 trade deadline
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 3, 2016
Although the Raptors' interests are reportedly directed at Phoenix Suns forwards PJ Tucker and Markieff Morris, going after the Gay is something Toronto should consider if they want to take over the East and has a real chance against the Golden State Warriors.
The Raptors are currently second in the east with a 34-16 record, just two games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. But with a DeMarre Carroll sidelined, Toronto's wing spot remains subpar against elite teams.
Bringing in Gay back to Toronto would give the Raptors a go-to-scorer who can also defend and space the floor with his three-point shooting at the small forward position.
Gay has been back-and-forth transferring from the Memphis Grizzlies to Toronto, before securing a three-year extension with the Kings, so moving him back to Toronto would not seem to be a problem except for the pieces the Raptors are willing to give to acquire the 6-foot-8 forward.
If the Raptors consider trading for Gay, they would create a lethal lineup at the wing position with Carroll and DeMar DeRozan.
The Raptors have a very short list of available pieces they could involve in a package for Gay. Only Luis Scola and Anthony Bennett have the expiring contracts the Kings would want.
But in a trade scenario, which succeeds ESPN's trade machine, the Raptors could send Patrick Patterson, Scola, and Bennett to the Kings for Gay.
The Kings' playoff hopes are slowly fading as they remain outside of the top eight teams in the West with a 21-30 record. If the season continues to get gloomy for the Kings, they may consider moving some of their pieces to relieve some cap-room for free agency, making such deals considerable.
