Rudy Gay (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors continue as the Sacramento Kings are still seeking a trade for Rudy Gay and two other players.
Gay has already got wind of the Kings' desire to trade him it was reported that he was being shopped even at the trade deadline.
Real GM reported that the Kings continue to push for the Gay trade more than a week after it was initially reported.
Gay can still be a contributor as he can still score 20 points a game. He can create his own shot which can be an asset for any team is the defense prevents them from executing. However, teams posturing for free agents in 2017 are wary of trading for him because he has a player option for 2017 which he is likely to take, and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018.
One such team that could take interest for Gay is the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to Darren Wolfson who covers the Wolves, the team is looking to trade as their roster is not yet set. A veteran wing is still needed.
#Twolves FO had another personnel meeting today. Bottom-line: the current 15 isn't the 15 they envision in a few months. Wing, PG = targets.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 20, 2016
As typical of Thibodeau, he still wants veterans to back up his young core of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. In Chicago, he was known for overplaying their core, specifically Derrick Rose, with extensive playing time. While it did help in their development, the rotation is very thin.
Another possible target is Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore who could also fit the mold of a "veteran wing." Drafted in 2013, the young guard out of Kansas had a lot of promise but for some reason, the Kings, specifically former coach George Karl, kept him in the "doghouse."
The Timberwolves could convert some of the young talent for a veteran. Recently, reserve point guard Tyus Jones won the Las Vegas Summer League Most Valuable Player award but it is perceived that he would be part of a trade package.
Other possible pieces are Shabazz Muhammad, Adreian Payne and Nikola Pekovic, but the team might find it hard to move the latter considering other centers like Greg Monroe are still on the block.
