Rudy Gay (Photo : Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers could be looking to add Rudy Gay, with the team considered as one of the reasonable destinations for the Sacramento Kings forward.
The Cavs have yet to make significant changes to their roster in the offseason, and with the market already dried up with quality veterans, Cleveland could certainly look to bolster their lineup by exploring trades.
With LeBron James widely expected to re-sign with the Cavs, the team should still find themselves competing at a high level, but may not have enough talent to match revamped teams like the Celtics, Spurs and Warriors. One possible trade target the Cavs may consider is Rudy Gay, who has been in the heat of trade rumors in recent weeks.
Gay has spoken with Sactown Royalty, a popular fan site hosted by SB Nation, about his frustrations with the Kings last season.
While Gay admitted he did not demand the team for a trade, the 29-year-old small forward revealed on ABC10 that he wants to he be happy at this point of his career, and Kings general manager Vlade Divac and working out things to make it happen.
"Last year, it's like they pulled the carpet out from under me, a little bit," Gay added.
"I felt like I was in jail - like I was hindered. But, I can't sit back and let that happen anymore."
If nothing comes out of Gay and Divac meeting halfway to turn the tides, it is expected the Kings would trade the latter in realization of getting nothing in return if Gay declines his player option next year, which is likely to happen at this point.
According to Oliver Maroney of Basketball Insiders, the Cavs could be among the "reasonable destinations" for Gay, whom he feels is looking to join a playoff team.
While there are plenty of playoff teams that could attempt to acquire Gay, the Cavs are probably the ones who need a veteran to help them defend their title.
Gay had a productive season with the Kings, averaging 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. While his averages were not too astounding, Gay stayed relatively healthy in the past couple of seasons, and should still become a solid contributor off the bench.
However, the Cavs do not have much pieces to offer the Kings for a potential trade. Kevin Love, despite being linked to trade rumors, would be off the table, unless the Kings also decide to deal DeMarcus Cousins.
A deal consisting of Iman Shumpert and Mo Williams for Gay could work, according to ESPN's trade machine. Shumpert and Williams would provide the Kings veteran presence that could help in the development of the team's young talent.
It is unclear whether the Cavs are considering a trade this offseason, with the team seemingly focused on keeping the rest of their core roster intact. But unless the Cavs think they could still dominate the league without any significant addition, trading for Gay could be an option worth exploring.
