NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Rudy Gay Set to be Traded to the Heat or Celtics?
The Sacramento Kings are having a bad season and what really makes it look that way, even though they aren't as awful as the Philadelphia 76ers or the Los Angeles Lakers, is the fact that they entered the season full of hope and promise, that with a retooled lineup and a veteran coach who has one of the most wins in a season in league history, they finally can go deeper into the playoffs. But as things begin to unfold, there is pressure on making changes to the team before the trade deadline.
The front office is contemplating (pressured) at firing head coach George Karl because he couldn't come up with a defensive system that his players will succeed in playing for. At this very point of the season, the Kings are giving up way too many points to opposing teams, leading them to lose games down the stretch.
Now with all the rumors surrounding the team before the trade deadline, the one involving forward Rudy Gay is the most interesting. Should they let of go him, what are they planning to have in return? Here's a look at several scenarios for the Kings in the event of letting the 29-year-old go:
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Trade with the Miami Heat makes sense
The Heat should be a good destination for Gay, only if he had his way. Pat Riley is always about winning and getting the most out of his lineup, but when presented with the option of having Gay in exchange for several of the team's young players, it's very difficult to resist that. As a matter of fact, there are rumors that both teams are already talking about it. With a player like Gay on board, the Heat will finally have someone who can effectively stretch the floor and shoot threes.
The Celtics have a chance, too
Perhaps the most obvious reason why the Celtics would want to get Gay is because they need someone who knows how to play well in the playoffs. Boston is on its way to the playoffs and Brad Steven's squad isn't looking to just make another first-round exit. In return, the Kings should be intrigued with the possibility of acquiring two very promising young guys in Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart, both of which are effective two-way players who can easily instill a defensive mindset in Sacramento.
Any of those destinations would make sense if Sacramento is really keen on unloading Gay before the trade deadline. However, the real issue is who will be exiting first, Gay or the team's head coach?
