NBA Trade Rumors (Photo : REUTERS)
The Chicago Bulls will enter next season's campaign with almost exactly the same lineup, though they are pinning their hopes on newly-hired head coach Fred Hoiberg to be the difference-maker.
The Bulls kept their dynamic backcourt intact after signing Jimmy Butler to a massive five-year, $95 million extension and added more depth to their frontline by drafting Bobby Portis, who showed he's more than ready to contribute next season following a solid Summer League campaign.
All in all, the Bulls remain a very deep team with lots of firepower in the backcourt and frontline. This unit is sure good enough to secure a top-4 spot in the Eastern Conference, but they can further improve their title chances if they address their weakness at the small forward slot.
Let the Rudy Gay to Bulls Rumors Begin
Like the Bulls, the Sacramento Kings have high expectations heading into the new season after pulling off a series of offseason moves that boost their backcourt and frontcourt rotation. Of course, All-Star and All-NBA center DeMarcus Cousins is still a King despite being the subject of several trade talks, including the reported botched deal between the Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kings top decision-maker Vlade Divac stressed a number of times already that it would take a mammoth of an offer for them to let their franchise player walk away. Therefore, a scenario in which Cousins playing with another team is unlikely, at least for this coming season.
However, Cousins isn't the only one on the Kings roster who is generating trade interest. Rudy Gay, who is playing for his third NBA team, could change uniform again at some point next season, especially if the Kings bomb out of playoff contention before the mid-season trade deadline.
No other than Yahoo Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported about the Kings interest in finding a right trade for Gay.
"Kings higher-ups believe it'll be tough to find value for Cousins and believe they have a better chance to find the right trade for Rudy Gay, according to Wojnarowski (H/T Hoops Rumors).
The Bulls, with a surplus of talent in the power forward spot, could emerge as potential suitor for Gay, who would easily elevate Chicago as the no.1 threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers' reign in the Eastern Conference.
Averaging 21.1 points (45% FG, 34% 3-point line) and 5.9 rebounds over his 9-year career, the 29-year old Gay would fill a gaping void at small forward on the Bulls starting lineup.
Breaking Down Potential Deal:
Gay, who is entitled to pocket roughly $12 million (with three more years left in his contract) this coming season, isn't going to be acquired that easily with the Kings bent on getting the best packages available. Still, the Bulls are one of few teams with talent pool deep enough to make an enticing trade offer.
As approved by ESPN NBA trade machine, the Bulls can acquire Gay by sending power forward Taj Gibson and second-year sniper Doug McDermott to the Kings. The 30-year-old Gibson would give the Kings a legit starting power forward, while McDermott is ready to fill the slack at the wing position.
There's no assurance this particular deal would go down this season, but the Bulls will certainly explore trade options to give them a strong starting five worthy of rivaling that of the Cavaliers and even West contenders like the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. And Gay's name is undoubtedly atop their wish list.
