NBA Trade Rumors: Players That Could Be Missing Piece for Contending Teams
What team wouldn't want Rudy Gay if he was available for the right price?
He's ridiculously athletic, he has the length and body to be a great defender, a smooth jump shot, a career scoring average of 17.9 points per game, and he's only 26 years old.
With that blend of assets and proven production, it makes you wonder why the Memphis Grizzlies would even make Gay available through a trade. According to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld, the 6'8" swingman may be the biggest and best name available on the trade market this season.
If the Grizzlies struggle early, they could look to cut costs. Gay could very well be the man the team looks to move, per Kennedy:
"Gay’s name surfaced a lot this summer, and sources say he would be open to a trade. The general consensus around the league is that Memphis would be willing to move Gay if the right offer comes along.
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Any team with a handsomely paid big man or point guard to spare should be willing to take the plunge.
Gay is a proven scorer. In the right system, he could be an invaluable defender as well. If he does become available, teams with a need for another major scorer should be lined up at the Grizzlies' door.
The Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets come to mind as teams that could benefit from Gay's presence.
There's another young wing player that could be on the move this season.
Tyreke Evans Could Finally Leave Sacramento
Per Kennedy, Evans' name has been involved in trade talks since last season. With him headed for restricted free agency at the end of this season, the time to trade him could be close.
His production has steadily declined since he won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2010. Evans' scoring average, assist numbers and rebounds have dipped in both years since he averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists as a rookie.
Still, at 23 he has enough upside to command what could become a trap contract.
That's a deal a team gives to a young player in hopes that he develops, but he never does. If Evans doesn't show marked improvement in the early part of this season, the Kings are less likely to extend him.
Evans may just need a change of scenery, and possibly a return to the point guard position. He's simply too skilled to give up on. He could help a variety of teams with his versatility.
Maybe the Phoenix Suns will go after him now that James Harden is in Houston. We'll have to wait and see.
Derrick Williams Needs A Chance to Shine
I'm a big believer in Derrick Williams.
He just needs an opportunity to shine, and truth be told, he may never get that chance in Minnesota—at least not for an extended period.
With Kevin Love out to begin the season, Williams should see some extended minutes. It could work as a means of showcasing the talented second-year player out of Arizona.
Kennedy writes: "Williams’ name has appeared in plenty of trade rumors, even though the 21-year-old has only been in the league for one season."
The Wolves added Andrei Kirilenko and Chase Budinger to the mix, so Williams doesn't appear to be a cornerstone in the team's plans.
With a lot to prove and tons of talent, there are teams that could take a shot at Williams. It's beyond me why he's being treated like a second-round pick when the team took him with the No. 2 overall pick just over a year ago.
He needs to be moved if he's ever going to have a chance to be a quality NBA player.
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