It’s not even Christmas and we have our first blockbuster
trade of the season. Rudy Gay everybody’s favorite NBA player is on his way to
Sacramento. The Raptors receive expiring contracts and the stat sheet is
back!!!!
The
Kings get Rudy Gay (two years left on contract), Aaron Gray (expiring contract)
and Quincy Acy (two years). This trade is all about Rudy Gay. Vivek Ranadive is
in his first season of owning the Kings and wanted to make a big deal to show
the fans that he is an owner ready to win. This is definitely a win now move.
Rudy Gay has taken a lot of shots with the Raptors so far this year .He has
taken nearly 19 shots; that’s fifth in the league .Rudy is also shooting 39%.
He takes a lot of bad shots and they don’t fall. With Gay going to the Kings
there might be some problems with him and DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins is the lead of this team and the
number one focus on offense with Gay coming over that could create some
problems when it comes down to the number of shots each player gets. Gay will
be a starter for the Kings but who gets demoted to 6th man? My guess
is Derrick Williams. The Kings line-up should be, Thomas-McLemore-Gay-Thompson-Cousins.
Isaiah Thomas has been tremendous this year as the 6th man for the
Kings. Thomas is averaging 17 points in 27minutes. The Players the Kings traded
were part of the rotation so now the Kings will get a look at some different
players. For example, JIMMER!, Ray McCallum and Aaron Gray will probably crack
the rotation. It will be interesting to see how Gay fits in Sacramento and if
the Kings can make a playoff push.
The
Raptors receive, Greivis Vasquez and Patrick Patterson, who are both restricted
free agents this summer. They also receive, Chuck Hayes (two years left) and
John Salmons. Salmons has two years left on his deal but he can be bought out
after this year for only 1 mil. For the Raptors this deal was about dumping
Gay’s contract and tanking. A positive for the Raptors in this deal is that
Rudy is no longer hogging the ball. Derozan and Valanciunas can get more shots
now. By acquiring Vasquez, it gives Toronto another point guard in case they
decide to trade Kyle Lowry. The Raptors plan is to dump bad salaries and get
draft picks. One part of that equation is done, but there’s still one more
step.
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