Rudy Gay is Heading West

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 6^th 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 6^th 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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