Rudy Gay (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks appear as a potential destination for Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay, according to the latest NBA trade rumors.
Gay has been a consistent contributor for the Kings in the past two seasons, averaging a combined total of 19.1 points in 138 games. But as the Kings continue to reshape their roster, it appears Gay's days in Sacramento are numbered, which "seems like a matter of when rather than if," reports Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
While there seems to be no rush for the Kings' side to deal Gay immediately, there should be plenty of potential destinations for the veteran small forward. According to a report from All About Knicks of Sports Blog, one team that may consider trading for Gay is the New York Knicks.
Like most of the teams in the NBA, the Knicks were able to retool their lineup this offseason. After trading for Derrick Rose in a deal that also brought them Justin Holiday, the Knicks signed veteran talents in Brandon Jennings, Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah. But looking at the Knicks' current roster, they still lack a reliable second unit player who can score and defend.
Gay would address the Knicks' need of a sixth man, and coming off the bench would allow him more opportunities to run the offense. His size and versatility would also make him an ideal fit should the Knicks implement a small-ball lineup.
However, while the Kings "do not want a ton of return" for Gay, it would still be difficult for the Knicks to trade for the 30-year-old forward. The Knicks do not have much to offer the Kings, which, according to Sports Blog, may require a third-team to orchestrate such deal.
But if Lee or Jennings won't be much of a factor playing in New York this season, it is possible they could be included in midseason deal to acquire Gay, considering if the Kings have not traded Gay at that time. Either of the two would be a tremendous addition for the Kings' backcourt, and should help keep All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins pleased.
It is unclear whether the Knicks have a genuine interests in acquiring Gay, but if their core talents do not yield them good results this season, there is a chance the Knicks would consider such deal.
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