The Cleveland Cavaliers could be among the contenders ready to explore the trade market.
The Cavs are still on course for another title run, but may need to consider making moves before the deadline to prepare for a possible third-consecutive Finals matchup against the Golden State Warriors. The defending champs have been rumored to be looking for a solid backup point guard, but according to Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated, the Cavs could ponder about adding a 3-and-D guy.
"One more defensive wing-who can also hit threes-would be the perfect gift for LeBron James. Cleveland will not get away with leaving Kevin Durant open the way they did with Harrison Barnes in last summer's Finals," Nadkarni wrote.
While it would be intriguing to see the Cavs add a versatile wing, they simply do not have assets to acquire a player of such talent. But if the Sacramento Kings are willing to move on from Rudy Gay for young talents and future picks, it is something the Cavs should explore.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reported that Gay is still a trade candidate for the Kings before deadline, but the veteran forward is not expected to give the Kings a big return after he announced his intentions of exploring free agency next year.
"Kings forward Rudy Gay continues to be the name most NBA insiders feel will be moved. Gay is battling some injuries, but it's believed he'll be moved before the trade deadline. Unfortunately for the Kings, he's not expected to return a ton so Sacramento may hold on to him and his scoring until February," Kyler wrote.
If the Kings truly do not expect to acquire much in trading Gay, this could be an opening for the Cavs, who have limited trade chips. The Kings are in deep need of a reliable playmaker and backcourt pieces. Cleveland could throw in Iman Shumpert, Kay Felder and Mo Williams on a potential deal that works under the NBA salary guidelines.
It remains to be seen whether the Cavs would develop a genuine interest in trading for Gay before the 2017 trade deadline. Giving up too much for Gay could be a gamble, for the Cavs especially if the 30-year-old wing could only be a one-year rental for Cleveland. Nevertheless, the Cavs should take a hard look at such move.
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