The Pacers and Kings have talked recently about a trade involving Sacramento small forward Rudy Gay, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). The Kings have interest in landing Monta Ellis, whom they eyed in free agency last summer, in return, but the Pacers prefer to deal Rodney Stuckey, Stein tweets.
The Pacers reportedly spoke to Sacramento about a possible Gay trade before they acquired Thaddeus Young last week, which suggests their interest is as strong as Stein indicates. The Kings are becoming increasingly willing to move Gay in a trade, according to multiple reports. Gay, who turns 30 in August, has been one of the Kings’ go-to scorers over the past two-plus seasons, though his PPG dipped to 17.2 in 2015/16, his lowest mark since his rookie season. Still, Gay contributed 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, and posted decent shooting percentages, making 46.3% of his shots from the floor and 34.4% from downtown.
Gay’s contract has two years left on it, but the final year is a player option, so he looks poised to hit the open market in 2017, assuming he has a solid 2016/17 season. Teams may not be willing to give up a significant return for one year of Gay, but his $13.333MM salary certainly looks reasonable compared to some of the prices being paid in free agency.
“please do it” – Sixers
This adds to what I said yesterday about being confused as to how the Pacers want to play. I feel like they’ve made moves in different directions.
…also, makes more sense for the Pacers to move Monta in my opinion
I could see the hesistancy to move Ellis so he could come off the bench and act as a 6th man. Theoretically he could be the backup ball handler and/or move to the 2 (off the bench) while PG/Gay play the 3 and essentially alternate minutes. Although as a Pacers fan, I’d be fine with Stuckey or Ellis being shipped, Stuckey’s success two years ago was more of a result of PG being out and him being able to get a lot of touches while Ellis no longer seems to be the same player he once was.
you guys have a lot of combo guards. considering this team would have multiple guys that can play with the ball, you are better off keeping the guys that can shoot, in my opinion. Also, I dont see Monta being ok with that role as the playmaker for the 2nd unit.
I’d be fine with this, whether it be Stuckey or Ellis. Would need a backup combo guard either way, but a trade for Gay could allow the Pacers to slot PG at the 2, where he would be oversized but seemed to be the most comfortable back in the Danny Granger days…
I was confused when I first read this, since the Pacers already have PG13 to play SF, but then I remembered they had George play shooting guard when Granger was still around. So it wouldn’t be surprising if they decide to go back that route with Gay coming in at SF. The question remains though if PG would be open to moving back to SG.
He probably would like it better considering he doesn’t like playing the 4
If they move Ellis, does that shift George back to the 2? Seems like a weird fit.
For his size, it does seem weird…but he used to play the 2 when Danny Granger was around and seemed to be the most comfortable out of that spot.
Ellis could fit, but I don’t know if it makes sense unless they plan on him being the PG. I like the guy but mainly because he has never been a part of my favorite team. I feel like if they acquire him, I will like him one day and loathe him the next. A huge boom or bust player. The upside is if they acquire him, it lessens the chance that Waiters ends up there with the signing of Afflalo.
Teague, Paul george, Rudy gay, Thad young, and miles turner would give them a very lengthy and athletic lineup, but offensively, there would be somewhat poor spacing and 3 ball dominant guys. They could use another shooter, preferably a 2 guard regardless, which would move Thad young to the bench, and that team would be pretty good
Rudy Gay stay away from the Pacers. He is a cancer! Toronto got better when he left. Memphis got better when he left. The pacers have improved their team. Leave well enough alone. He belongs @ sack of potatoes. Let’s play the hand we have! Joe Young looked good in summer league.