The Sacramento Kings and Rudy Gay seem destined to part ways before the season starts, and while there is no confirmed move yet from the Kings, there would be no shortage of suitors for the veteran forward.
The Kings look decided in moving on from Gay, who has been a hot topic in rumors in the past few months. And as teams gear up for the 2016-2017 regular season, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believe it is only a matter of time before the Kings trade Gay.
"Uncertainty is a problem in any transaction in the NBA, but as things get closer to the trade deadline and teams fail to meet their objectives, obtaining a versatile small forward who more than likely opts out is a viable possibility. Word is the Kings do not want a ton in return for him, so this one seems like a matter of when rather than if," Kyler wrote.
Gay, who averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, would be a valuable addition to any contending teams in the league. The 30-year-old small forward is still a capable scorer and can defend multiple positions. His versatility would instantly make him an asset playing for the right time.
There should be plenty of teams interested in adding Gay, and here is a list of the top three contenders who might consider adding a veteran talent into their roster.
Rudy Gay to Boston Celtics
The Celtics' attempt to adding another All-Star caliber player is becoming cliché, but make no mistake about it, Boston would take any chance if it would improve their already promising lineup.
With plenty of tradable assets at their disposals, the Celtics are one of the few teams who could easily orchestrate a trade. The Celtics could package Amir Johnson and Marcus Smart to Sacramento for Gay, allowing Boston to add a proven talent, while keeping most of their core intact.
However, while Gay would add depth and offensive threat at the wing, the Celtics are already stacked at the said position, although it would still be an intriguing scenario seeing Gay play for a legit contender.
Rudy Gay to Golden State Warriors
As unfair as it may sound, Gay joining the bandwagon could be what is best for his career and for the Warriors themselves.
In Gay's 10-year career in the NBA, he only made one playoff appearance back in 2012 for the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a short-lived postseason experience for Gay, with the Grizzlies getting eliminated by the LA Clippers in the first round. At this moment of his career, Gay would surely consider winning an NBA championship, and one of the few destinations he could consider towards that ultimate goal is the Bay Area.
Many believe that the Warriors, despite their starting lineup of All-Stars, may not be as good as last season after losing key players form their second unit this summer. Adding Gay would give the Warriors another weapon off the bench, and his versatility would certainly be of use under Steve Kerr.
However, the Warriors are very limited at what they could give back to Sacramento, but if the Kings just want to move on from Gay, it is a deal worth exploring for Golden State.
Rudy Gay to Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs may not admit it, but they badly need to revamp their roster if they wish to repeat as champions next year.
The Cavs came up winners in this year's free agency after signing LeBron James to a three-year $99.8 million contract. However, even with their starting core intact for this season, they may still consider adding a veteran scorer to help them in their back-to-back title hopes.
Gay would be a nice fit for the Cavs, who lack a versatile backup scorer in their second unit. Most of Cleveland's recent additions to their lineup have regressed their role as spot-up shooters, but Gay's ability to penetrate through the defense and create shots for himself could see him turn as the Cavs' third best option.
However, the Cavs also do not have much to give trading for Gay. Iman Shumpert has been linked to trade rumors this offseason, but it is unlikely the Kings would add another guard/forward to their lineup after adding Matt Barnes, Arron Afflalo and Garrett Temple this summer.
Nevertheless, if the Kings want minimal return for Gay, it is an opportunity and risk the Cavs should take.