NBA Trade Speculation: LA Lakers, NJ Nets and 5 Teams That Could Use Rudy Gay

Memphis Grizzlies supposed franchise player Rudy Gay became, in the eyes of many, expendable after his team made an incredible playoff run without him in the lineup, yet his name has not been as prominent in the NBA trade rumor mill as others.

Perhaps it is because the Grizzlies are not even considering trading him. Or perhaps it is because Memphis wants it to appear that way as to drive Gay's price tag up.

Regardless of whether or not the Grizzlies are officially shopping Gay, after the season the team had basically without him, the organization would be at least open to entertaining offers, when or if the lockout ever ends that is.

After signing a five-year, $80 million deal with Memphis last summer, Gay appeared in only 54 games before being sidelined for the rest of season with a partially separated shoulder. In his limited time on the court though, he was productive, averaging 19.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.

It is perfectly realistic to believe that Gay, when added to a rotation that already includes Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, should the Grizzlies retain him, would only further Memphis' development.

However, it is also feasible that he may not fit in and possibly even disrupt the chemistry between the other players when he returns. This is why the Grizzlies will and should listen to all offers coming their way for Gay.

And on the ensuing slides you will see the five teams that need to make inquiry about the 24-year-old forward most.

No. 5: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic superstar Dwight Howard has been considered by many to already be planning his exit strategy.

Despite such speculation, Orlando's top priority is assembling a team around Howard that he feels he can contend for a championship with and thus not search for a new home. Rudy Gay could prove to be the solution to said dilemma.

In Gay, Orlando would get a versatile forward who can consistently relieve some of the offensive burden off Howard. Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson are all capable of doing such a thing but not consistently anymore.

Howard has his hands full with defense already, and while he should still remain an offensive threat, he should not be the lone player on the floor for the Magic who draws a double team. Gay would spread the floor more and open it up for Howard and the rest of the team.

There is one snag in such exploring such an endeavor: Orlando's ability to execute such a deal.

After acquiring Turkoglu and Arenas last season, the Magic do not have many, if any desirable assets. Memphis is surely not going to want to take on Turkoglu's or Arenas' bloated contracts.

Orlando's best negotiating tactic in this scenario would be ask the Grizzlies to name their price. Any one but Howard should be fair game, including Jameer Nelson.

The fact is that a Howard/Gay combination is a much better duo than anything Orlando can currently pair with their star center. 

And such a pairing has a much better chance of convincing Howard to stay long term too.

No. 4: Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are looking for an answer to their shooting guard deficiencies, and while Gay does not seem to fit the bill, he may be just what the doctor prescribed.

Keith Bogans is simply not cutting for Chicago, a team that coming off a season like this past one, is ready to contend now. Gay would be an added scoring punch along side MVP Derrick Rose and Carlo Boozer.

Such a trio is likely to keep the Bulls relevant in the championship conversation and then some, but there is one major obstacle that impedes the plausibility as well as sensibility to such a deal.

Dealing for Gay only makes sense for the Bulls if it is upgrading their roster substantially. Unfortunately, such a deal would most likely cost Chicago Luol Deng, who had a breakout season averaging 17.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

While this is a major obstacle, it is not a deal break. If the Bulls can assemble a deal with contracts that makes the salaries match up, they could make a play for O.J. Mayo or Shane Battier at the same time. With Gay and either Mayo or Battier coming in, both the 2- and 3-positions are set.

It is not impossible for events to be steered in this direction because the Grizzlies already showed a willingness to deal both Battier and Mayo last season.

Memphis would be losing who they thought would be their franchise player in Gay but would add a young, up-and-coming forward in Deng who fits in perfectly with Zach Randolph, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. 

The Grizzlies already proved they could succeed without Gay. Adding Deng would be an insurance policy to said notion, as well as free up some possibly much needed cap space for their near future.

And thus would be a deal that makes sense for both parties.

No. 3: Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers have been linked to a number of trade rumors as of late, mainly consisting of Dwight Howard and Monta Ellis, but Gay is a player who should also come into the mix.

Los Angeles, as it became evident during this past postseason, needs to get younger while still putting themselves in a place to contend for the duration of Kobe's career. Gay does just that.

Gay opens up the floor more for Kobe, whose 25.3 points per game could actually increase with Gay on the floor. However, it also gives Kobe an opportunity to have the offensive burden lifted slightly.

Any trade for Gay would probably have to include Lamar Odom. However, it could prove to be worth it. Gay is only 24 and is capable of putting up 20 points per game.

One thing Los Angeles must be aware of is the necessity to not relinquish Andrew Bynum in any such deal. Bynum's development may be coming along slower than expected, but with his size being a rare commodity, he is an invaluable asset.

Not to mention he allows the Lakers to still have a centerpiece in any attempt to acquire Dwight Howard.

With Gay, the Lakers become instant contenders again and also have a player in place for the future when the Kobe era officially ends.

Ellis is a prolific scorer would fit in well with Los Angeles, but the Warriors will keep his price tag high because of his importance  to the team. Gay could serve as a cheaper, yet just as effective option, for the Lakers to pair with Kobe.

No. 2: Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors star Monta Ellis has long been rumored to be on the trade block, and there could be a potential destination in Memphis.

The Warriors, especially since drafting Klay Thompson, are looking to free up some space in the backcourt as well as add a player who fits new head coach Mark Jackson's defensive bill better than Ellis does.

A straight up Ellis for Gay trade is not out of the question. In Ellis, the Grizzlies get a young player capable of playing the one or the two who is also one of the purest shooters in the game. 

Last season, Ellis averaged 24.1 points and 5.6 assists per game, and while he still draws criticism for his shot selection, he has developed into a more unselfish player. His added offense would be welcomed by Memphis and makes Shane Battier expendable.

Ellis is not the best of defenders, but he has potential, and the Grizzlies are set defensively. His offensive explosiveness would be the real key to this trade.

Ellis draws more double-teams than Gay and leaves the floor open for Mike Conley and Zach Randolph to take over.

Gay makes sense for Memphis because not only is he just as capable a scorer, but he is a better defender. In his 54 games last season, he averaged nearly two steals per game and revealed himself as one of the better defensive small forwards in the game.

Additionally, Gay blows the Warriors rotations up, giving them all kinds of options. Stephen Curry and Thompson could serve as the primary 1 and 2 while Gay assumes the 3-role.

Increased playing time would serve Thompson well and speed up his development, thus ensuring Golden State a more promising future.

Add David Lee and Ekpe Udoh to the equation and the Warriors have a potential playoff team.

So while at first glance a Gay for Ellis swap seems slightly redundant, a more in depth analysis reveals it serves the purpose for both teams' goals.

No. 1: New Jersey Nets

New Jersey Nets may come as a surprise as the top team in need of inquiring about Gay, but owner Mikihail Prokhorov took a major gamble when he gave the green light to obtain Deron Williams without a contract extension, and Gay increases the chances that he stays.

Dwight Howard remains a top target for the Nets, but Gay is also a player that could convince Deron Williams and his career average of 17.2 points and 9.2 assists per game, to make the move to Brooklyn with the team.

Gay is a major upgrade at the small forward position as well as gives the Nets a third capable scorer to go along with Williams and Brook Lopez. Additionally he not only shows Williams the team is committed to winning but also catches the attention of soon to be free agent and potential trade target Dwight Howard.

New Jersey still has some first round picks left in their arsenal to dangle in front of Memphis, who may jump at a draft-pick heavy deal knowing they are still capable of competing without Gay as well as all the money they would save.

Relinquishing any more draft picks complicates the Nets pursuit of Howard, but as long as they hold onto Lopez, the centerpiece of any such deal, their options remain open.

Even without Howard though, New Jersey would then have two provenly productive players in Gay and Williams, as well as an up and coming star in Lopez. Such a trio could be a major player in the East and arguably one of the most balanced attacks in the league with an immensely talented 1, 3 and 5 in the starting lineup.

After missing out on adding Carmelo Anthony, the Nets needed to find another way to propel themselves back to relevancy, and Williams provided a solution with just that.

However, it is now New Jersey's task to maintain and evolve their relevancy. Williams will not be seduced by possibilities, rather he will demand results.

And Gay may be just the result that Nets Williams needs to see in order to make a long term commitment to this team.