Rudy Gay (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat could be one of the teams looking to trade for Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay, who remains a likely candidate to get dealt after announcing his plans to opt out in the final year of his contract with the Kings.
It seems imminent that Gay and the Kings would part ways this season after the 30-year-old announced his intention to explore free agency next summer. Gay, who averaged 17.2 points per game with the Kings last season, would not be a hard piece to move, with his skillset on high value for contending teams.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald listed Gay as one of the possible targets the Heat should consider in next year's free agency in hopes of maximizing Hassan Whiteside's talent by surrounding him with shooters.
"Also keep Rudy Gay's name in mind. He informed the Kings that he likely will opt out of his contract next summer, and a close associate said the Heat appeals to him. Gay has averaged 18.4 points per game in his career, with 750 three-pointers on 34.4 percent shooting," Jackson wrote.
But while Jackson suggested Gay as a possibility in the context of free agency, trading forhim this season is also a viable option for Miami, according to a report from Amico Hoops. However, the Heat do not have much assets to offer in a trade with the Kings, which could force Miami to include Goran Dragic in any potential deals.
While swapping Gay for Dragic would work under NBA salary guidelines, the Heat are unlikely to give up their top point guard for a veteran small forward. If the Heat would want more in return in dealing Dragic, a three-way trade with the Utah Jazz could be a viable scenario.
The Heat would get Gay and Ben McLemore from the Kings, while acquiring Dante Exum from Utah. Sacramento would then get Dragic, giving them a talented point guard to pair with DeMarcus Cousins, while the Jazz would receive Josh McRoberts to address their need at the four spot.
McLemore would give the Heat another outside threat and athleticism at the backcourt area. The 23-year-old shooting guard only averaged 7.8 points per game with the Kings last season, but has continued to improve his shooting, averaging 36.2 percent from the three-point area.
Exum, on the other hand, would serve as the Heat's assurance at the point guard position. Prior to his season-ending ACL injury, Exum played a full season with the Jazz, averaging only 4.8 points, while playing 22.2 minutes a game. The 21-year-old Aussie playmaker could fit well as a pass-first point guard for the Heat, which could maximize Miami's core of young talents.
Following Chris Bosh's exit in Miami, finding key players that could replace his outputs is something the Heat should consider if they wish to remain afloat in the Eastern Conference. The proposed trade scenario may not be the best option for the Heat, but such move would certainly be a boost for Miami this season.
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