The Grizzlies are right in the thick of things in a tough Western Conference playoff race. Memphis isn’t in a hurry to trade Gay, so it is doubtful a deal happens. Stein also notes that the Raptors are also looking to ship Kyle Lowry out as well.Ĭurrently the Raptors are only five games out of a playoff spot, so as the deadline approaches, they will be looking to actively improve their team. It makes sense for Toronto as they can sure up the small forward spot and can dangle Calderon’s expiring contract as bait, even though Calderon has been fantastic. The Boston Celtics also appear interested in acquiring Gay, but it is doubtful that happens as they would likely have to deal Paul Pierce.Ī potential Gay deal to Toronto would have some impact on the Knicks as it would bring just another talented player into the Atlantic Division, as the Knicks would have to see an improved Raptors team four times a season.
Toronto is offering up Jose Calderon and third-year forward Ed Davis as two of the main pieces in a potential deal. Stein notes that The Raptors have been determined in their pursuit of Gay and also are interested in Grizzlies forward Darrell Arthur. While Stein is reporting that news, he also notes that while the Raptors are Gay’s most active suitor, no initial framework for a deal has been agreed upon. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
#NBA RUDY GAY TRADE FREE#
As we can all agree, no one is choosing Utah in free agency.Philadelphia, PA, USA Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay (22) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers guard Evan Turner (12) during the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The draft is how Utah found their two superstars in the first place. So, now that the truth has been laid bare, where should the Jazz go next? A total rebuild seems to be the best option through continued investment in draft capital. This was especially evident in games one through three when the Jazz starters were outmatched in effort and joy by a Luka-less Mavericks squad.
#NBA RUDY GAY TRADE SERIES#
They quit on their city and, worse, each other in the recent series against the Mavs. Not just because of an inflated payroll or maximized ceiling, but because the chemistry of this long-contained core has reached well past its expiration. To put it plainly, this team needs to be broken up. Only last year’s Sixth Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson, and sharpshooting big man Bojan Bogdanović played with any joie de vivre. Rudy Gay, Royce O’Neal, Hassan Whiteside, Danuel House. Elsewhere, the Jazz roster is filled out with broken players who, judging by their on-court rapport and play, seem genuinely unhappy to be playing in Utah i.e. The 34-year-old guard is a shell of the player he was in Memphis and never regained the defensive form that made him such a lethal two-way player with the Grizzlies. The 2019 trade that brought Mike Conley to Utah has been an unmitigated disaster. Danny Ainge and the Utah front office have surrounded Gobert with a bunch of aging perimeter players who can’t defend. The tension between the two goes all the way to pre-pandemic times. It was no secret that their two superstars, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, don’t care for one another. Before the Utah Jazz even began their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, there were significant questions about their chemistry, viability as a winner, and ceiling.