Sacramento Kings small forward Rudy Gay posts up against Los Angeles Lakers' Nick Young. (Photo : Getty Images/Al Bello)
Recent reports have emerged that veteran small forward Rudy Gay was placed by the Sacramento Kings on the trading block as the team looks upgrade their roster to finally have a chance to qualify in next year's playoffs.
After firing head coach George Karl and hiring former Memphis Grizzlies head honcho Dave Joerger two months ago, the Kings have also let go of starting point guard Rajon Rondo in this summer's free-agency.
Sacramento vice-president for basketball operations Vlade Divac is said to be not finished yet in trying to re-tool the team's roster as he made Gay, Kosta Koufos, and Ben McLemore available for trades, as per ESPN.
The 29-year-old former Connecticut standout, who is entering his 11th season in the league, had been a steady presence for the Kings last season, averaging 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 34.0 minutes per game for Karl.
He was actually better during the prior season in 2014-2015 when he averaged a career-high 21.1 points and 3.7 assists, along with 5.9 boards and 1.0 steals in 35.4 minutes of playing time a night also for the Kings, and so it should be concluded that he can still be a force to whatever team he may play for next season.
One of the teams who is rumored to be a possible destination for the former Memphis Grizzly and Toronto Raptor is the Boston Celtics, who allegedly "lacks a reliable scoring threat along the wings", according to Fansided.
The report noted that even if a potential All-Star like Gay is available at the number three position, Boston should not give up their current starting small forward Jae Crowder to the deal as the two can alternate for the position or even play together in smaller lineups.
With four-time All-Star center Al Horford coming in and the stable presence of starting point guard Isaiah Thomas, the Celtics have the potential to build their own Big Three with Gay in the lineup and could become a serious contender in the Eastern Conference next season.
Plus, Gay and Thomas had been together in Sacramento during the 2013-2014 season so their familiarity with one another will also help a lot on the court for coach Brad Stevens.
