Sacramento Kings small forward Rudy Gay posts up against Los Angeles Lakers' Nick Young. (Photo : Getty Images/Al Bello)
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly looking to make a significant roster shake-up before the season begins as Rudy Gay may be moved to the Atlanta Hawks.
The small forward is said to be looking for stability at this point of his career. With his days at Sacramento nearing its end, Soaring Down South came up with three possible trade scenarios for the 10-year veteran with the Hawks.
The first trade scenario is Rudy Gay heading to the Hawks in exchange for center Tiago Splitter, rights to Isaia Cordinier and a conditional first-round pick courtesy of Minnesota. Although the Kings are already stacked at the center position, the draft pick is said to be the one that may prove valuable for the Kings. If the T-Wolves make the playoffs, the pick will likely land somewhere between 15th-30th and if it does not happen by 2020, it will become a second-round pick.
The next possible scenario will involve shooting guard Ben McLemore and they will be traded for Splitter, small forward Thabo Sefolosha, Mike Muscala along with the 1st round pick. This deal may be more appealing for the Kings as Sefolosha can immediately fill the void Gay will be leaving behind. Also, it will give McLemore a fresh start as he struggled to fit in with the Kings in his first three years.
The last trade scenario will be a four-team trade which will involve the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. Hawks will still get Gay and McLemore while the Sixers will receive Splitter, point guard Marcus Smart, Tim Hardaway Jr. and MIN's first round pick. The Kings will get center Kelly Olynyk and Robert Covington while the Celtics will receive Jahlil Okafor. Although this deal may be a bit far-fetched, it will address each team's needs.
The only hurdle that may come along the way is if the Celtics and Sixers are willing to part ways with potential stars like Okafor and Smart. Meanwhile, Kings' franchise star DeMarcus Cousins is still on the trading block and his likeliest landing spot is the Los Angeles Lakers, Hoops Hype reported. Here are some of Gay's top highlights as a member of the Kings.
