The Miami Heat and the Sacramento Kings have been rumored to have had "vague trade talks" during the offseason, which could lead to a Goran Dragic-Rudy Gay swap this season.
ESPN's Zach Lowe claimed that the Heat and the Kings have had "some vague trade talks" since this summer's free agency. While Lowe admitted those talks did not necessarily involve Dragic, the Kings' point guard situation could fuel rumors of the Heat trading Dragic to Sacramento for Rudy Gay, who appears a likely trade candidate after announcing his intention to explore free agency in 2017.
"The Heat and Kings have had some vague trade talks since July - not necessarily involving Dragic, sources say - and given the Kings' shaky point guard situation, it's tempting to build deals sending Dragic to Sacramento. A half-dozen other teams are searching for a long-term answer at point guard," Lowe wrote.
The Heat have lost all of their veteran stars this offseason, with Dwyane Wade joining the Chicago Bulls and Miami ending Chris Bosh's career with the franchise. The departures of Bosh and Wade signifies a new era in South Beach and trading away Dragic may help them kick start their rebuild and focus on the development of their young talents.
On the other hand, the Kings are also attempting to build around DeMarcus Cousins, but have failed miserably to do so in the offseason after drafting two big men instead of a talented playmaker who can maximize Boogie's immense talent. The Kings have put their hopes on Ty Lawson playing in his old form, but won't have any viable alternative should he fail to exceed expectations.
Exploring this trade would give the Heat the much-needed scoring option to fill the gap left by Bosh and Wade, while the Kings get a proven floor commander to pair with Cousins. A straight swap of Dragic for Gay would work under NBA salary guidelines and ESPN's trade machine, but any potential deal would probably include other pieces.
The Heat and Kings are not expected to be strong contenders this season, and such deal won't likely change that stance. But the Heat would certainly consider an expiring contract to have more cap room next summer, and the Kings would want to make the right move by adding a bona fide point guard in their roster.
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