Rudy Gay and Patrick Beverley (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors are already reaching the mainstream sites. This is a stern indicator of which trades are likely to happen.
Rudy Gay was already rumored to be traded by ESPN's Marc Stein and now an ESPN Insider feature confirms that while he may be able to make training camp, it is not a confirmation that he will be a King for keeps.
Kevin Pelton gave his assessment for the Sacramento Kings and their individual players and his verdict for Gay read:
"Gay's reunion with his former assistant coach in Memphis, new Sacramento head coach Dave Joerger, might be short-lived. After the Kings loaded up on forwards this offseason, it looks inevitable that they'll try to become the latest team to benefit from trading Gay."
However, Pelton did mention that the "benefit" will not elicit the same returns as what the Kings gave up for him. The Toronto Raptors knew that Gay was on the downturn and was already having a hard time finding takers. The Kings were reliable on that front.
The Oklahoma City Thunder is a logical destination since they have a huge vacancy at the small forward position. Trading away Ersan Ilyasova and Mitch McGary and possibly Josh Huestis may be the type of package that the Kings are looking at.
The Kings would likely demand Cameron Payne because of their need at the point guard spot. However, Gay's free agency status at the end of the season diminishes his value.
The Houston Rockets were admittedly the team that was "most interested in Rudy Gay" according to House of Houston. Gay fits well with Coach Mike D'Antoni's system. However, the Rockets' don't have much to offer, especially at the point guard front. Corey Brewer may be the only trade piece that they have and other teams could easily top that.
The only way for the Rockets to get the Kings' nod is if they agree to trade away Trevor Ariza. But since Ariza is a vital cog for the Rockets, that may be a tough call. Both teams are challenged at the point, although James Harden is usually the playmaker for the Rockets. This may open up the possibility that the Rockets would be willing to trade Patrick Beverley, but that is still an unlikely possibility.
