Whether they trade Gay or not, that will likely remain true (if Gay is traded their playoff hopes probably aren’t as realistic, depending on the return). It’s a pretty difficult judgment call, as the Kings have a legitimate shot at the playoffs but not title contention. First, they unloaded backup big man Marreese Speights for cash considerations and a bag of low-fat chips (thats what were calling Jon Leuer). The Kings aren’t “shopping” Gay - they’re not looking to just dump him for anything. By: Kels Dayton It doesnt make sense what the Grizzlies are doing right now. The Kings want value back for Rudy Gay (two years left on his contract at 27. Gay isn’t exactly in his prime, but he’s still a true wing scoring threat. The Raptors have reportedly traded Rudy Gay, Aaron Gray and Quincy Acy to the Sacramento Kings for Chuck Hayes, Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons and Patrick Patterson. (Gay, 29, is scheduled to earn $13.3 million from the Kings next season before he’s forced to decide on a $14.3 million player option in 2017-18). Or a player they like with at least one year left on his contract after this season, which would give the Kings some insulation against trading for someone in February who turns around and leaves town in July. Sacramento is said to be seeking a quality young player in return if it parts with Gay. But when you look at the pillars of talent, specifically in terms of scoring talent, Rudy Gay is still a significant asset as the team’s second-leading scorer (18 PPG).ĮSPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Kings are willing to consider a trade for Gay:
![the rudy gay trade the rudy gay trade](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7cJFwEY-f39ZNMod2KQZ6pzaaGM=/0x0:3999x2666/1200x800/filters:focal(0x0:3999x2666)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7395337/20121204_ter_sc6_344.0.jpg)
The Sacramento Kings are a half-game out of the playoffs, largely due to the play of DeMarcus Cousins and the league’s assist leader, Rajon Rondo.