Ricky Rubio and Rudy Gay (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors continue as the 2016 Rio Olympics is about to end and players from around the world start to concentrate on their professional teams.
Some of these players could don different jerseys before the season starts as discussions seem to be heating up among teams who want more tweaks to their roster.
The Sacramento Kings is at the forefront as the team continues to find a home for Rudy Gay. Houston seems a likely destination as the Rockets have confirmed their interest for Gay's services through Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
"League sources say while there are teams that have expressed interest in Gay - most notably the Houston Rockets - getting anything of real value back on what could be a one-year rental at Gay's price tag is hard math to make work," Kyler stated.
However, the Kings seem to have a goal and that's to acquire a point guard. Ricky Rubio has been on their radar and it has made the rounds of the rumor mill, but the Timberwolves are not moved by Rudy Gay.
Since the T-Wolves is now coached by Tom Thibodeau, defense is a premium and Gay is not known for that. In a scenario from The Dream Shake, the Houston Rockets' possible offer for Gay is comprised of Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer and KJ McDaniels.
Ariza is a fan favorite in Houston but Gay can play both forward positions and create his own shot. As TDS noted, "the philosophy this season weighs heavily on the offensive side and the 31-year-old Ariza himself not getting any younger."
However, Ariza is someone who can fit with Thibodeau's veteran defensive mold. The question of whether he is worth Ricky Rubio seems moot as the Timberwolves really doesn't appear sold on Rubio. As Minnesota reporter Darren Wolfson tweeted, the team wants to make changes at some positions.
#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
@live2bastardize @RyanPDickey doubtful. — Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 21, 2016
In the same thread, Wolfson was asked on whether Rudy Gay was an option and he said he was doubtful. Gay is not known for his defense and is known to have questionable shot selections-not a Thibs kind of guy.
Since all the teams involved (the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets) are all willing to trade and have interests with each other's players, it's likely that a deal on this line may already be in discussion.
