NBA Rumors: Speculation Surrounding Potential Rudy Gay Trade and More

Most NBA teams have done their heavy offseason lifting by August, but there are still a handful of players who could be on the move as potential trade targets or free-agent signings. 

The Sacramento Kings may trade veteran Rudy Gay, the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t finalized their roster yet and Emeka Okafor could serve as a late-season addition for a contender.

The league-altering rumors of early summer (see: Kevin Durant or Al Horford) have died down, but players such as Gay or J.R. Smith can swing a postseason chase with hot shooting and timely scoring. With that in mind, here is the latest speculation from around the Association.

Kings Reportedly Shopping Rudy Gay

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The Kings already made a major change this offseason when they added head coach Dave Joerger after he led the Memphis Grizzlies to the postseason three straight years.

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the team is now “active in the trade market trying not only to trade out awkward fitting pieces, but also trying to right the ship in terms of personalities that may not be totally bought into the plan.”

As a result, Gay’s name has popped up in trade rumors “for weeks,” even though he can be an unrestricted free agent following the 2016-17 season, per Kyler.

However, Kyler cautioned that there are some obstacles impacting any hypothetical trade involving Gay, including the fact the Kings would likely have to eat some of the $13.3 million he is owed next season. What’s more, the value is a question mark because any team that traded for Gay would essentially be landing a one-year rental.

While there may be chemistry and value concerns with Gay at this point of his career, the 29-year-old is a dangerous scorer who can stretch the floor and create openings for teammates.

He averaged 17.2 points per game last season and a career-high 21.1 a night in 2014-15, and he is a career 34.4 percent shooter from three-point range. Gay is also fairly consistent and scored …

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