Goran Dragic (Photo : Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings will be active at the trade deadline if we base solely on NBA trade rumors.
They have already placed numerous players on the trading block and have a clear need at point guard. According to Basketball Insiders publisher Steve Kyler, two big name playmakers could be on the block.
"I think it pretty safe to say Nerlens Noel is moved. I think Rudy Gay is moved. I think Phoenix looks at moving Brandon Knight and I think Miami looks at moving Goran Dragic. Jeff Green's deal was built to be traded, so there is that," Kyler stated in his regular chat.
Rudy Gay would be a good fit for the Miami Heat since he can take over the stretch four position that Chris Bosh vacated. This swap has long been speculated over but recently, Chris Mannix of The Vertical has confirmed that actual talks took place.
"Dragic is open to a trade, league sources told The Vertical, and Miami has pursued that option. An early season swap with Sacramento for Rudy Gay fell apart when the Heat sought Darren Collison, sources said, and teams that have probed Miami about Dragic have found the Heat open to offers."
It seems surprising that the Kings could have already acquired a top rank starting point guard but they hesitated on account of Darren Collison. Gay is almost assured to leave the team and gaining any asset for him is already a win, let alone Dragic who definitely fills a need. There is suspicion that the Heat may have asked for more assets from the Kings.
Brandon Knight's trade value is probably lower than Goran Dragic at this point because he has not been a good bench performer and most of the time he was playing off the ball. Knight may already be more suited as a scoring guard and some pundits believe he is better suited for a team like the Philadelphia 76ers.
For the Miami Heat, if they do decide to trade Dragic for Gay, there is probably some form of assurance that Gay would re-sign. The Heat has aspirations to sign a top-tier free agent and they need to clear cap space-signing Gay could take place after they get their target.
In any case, all these other trade rumors that involve the Kings may be an indicator that they are now past the question of trading DeMarcus Cousins. The recent CBA has given added incentive for superstars to stay on their team, and if Cousins' statements would be the basis, he's probably not leaving.
