Should Houston Rockets amp up efforts to trade for Rudy Gay?

With news Rudy Gay will opt out of his contract next summer and seek an alternative home address should the Houston Rockets amp up their efforts to land him via a trade?

While the Houston Rockets have made copious free agent moves this summer they’ve yet to make a key trade which might send them over the top. To that end, after a summer of rumors and speculations, the Rudy Gay controversy may soon come to an end. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Gay has informed the Sacramento Kings that he plans to opt out his contract, and a new deal with the franchise is highly unlikely.

So far, Sacramento has ignored all potential trades involving their second leading scorer. However, with the news of his departure next summer. It’s in the Kings best interest to trade Gay sooner rather than later.

Houston Among Interested Trade Partners:

Arguably of all the interested teams rumored to have interest in Gay’s trade, the perfect partner may well be the Houston Rockets.

Teaming him alongside James Harden, the Rockets would give Gay the best opportunity to compete for a championship. Whereas Houston’s young and talented assets can help shape a bright future in Sacramento.

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He may no longer be the athletic swing man that made him a star with the Memphis Grizzlies, yet he’s transformed into a solid all-around player.

Last season Gay averaged 18.2 points and 6.9 rebounds on 46.3 percent shooting from the field for the Kings. So, his consistent ability to score would give the Rockets another valuable scorer.

However, Gay’s biggest contribution to Houston would be on the defensive side of the ball. Throughout his career, he has been known for his ability as a perimeter defender, something the Rockets are in desperate need of.

Previous Insight:

For a full understanding of what to expect from a Rudy Gay trade, check out SCS own Daniel Zepeda. Zepeda gave a full examination of what Gay could bring to Houston if traded next season.

What could the Rockets offer the Kings? According to Zepeda, Corey Brewer, and K.J. McDaniels are enough for the Kings to make the trade without dismantling their roster. Notably the ESPN Trade Machine indicateds this would be a successful trade.

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A trade for Gay could add a lot of upside to a Rockets team that is desperately looking to return to their 2014-2015 form in which they won 56 games on way to the Western Conference Finals. The Rockets would likely have to trade Corey Brewer, who is owed over $15 million through the next two seasons. Houston would also have to throw in one of their top prospects, with K.J. McDaniels figuring most likely What McDaniels has shown is promising: an explosive attacker at the rim, a lock-down defender at times and, if nothing else, a jolt off the bench who could jump start a team with his energy.

It is no secret adding Gay would automatically upgrade the Rockets on the defensive end. However, what can Red Nation expect from Gay on the offensive end?

On offense, Gay can get to the basket and finish. With the Rockets’ roster filled with three-ball threats, he also can pass out to an open shooter. Additionally, he has no problem running the fast break or bringing the ball up the court. In Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, this talent becomes essential. Gay also has the size to play the four when the Rockets look to go small. With Gay in the post, surrounded by Harden, Beverley, Anderson and Gordon, the Rockets could easily run off double-digit scoring runs in a matter of a few possessions, especially if they are pushing pace or running in transition.

Kings Stubbornness Makes Trade Unlikely:

Although it is not impossible for the Rockets to trade for Rudy Gay, it would still be a long shot due to the stubbornness of Kings management.

Honestly, everyone would come out on the winning side of the trade. The Rockets will once again be a championship contender. The Kings will have a young and talented piece in K.J. McDaniels to rebuild around over the next few years. As well as give Gay a new beginning to his NBA career.

Regardless if the Kings trade Rudy Gay or not, his career in Sacramento is quickly coming to an end. Here’s hoping that his next destination is Houston.

With news Rudy Gay will opt out of his contract next summer and seek an alternative home address should the Houston Rockets amp up their efforts to land him via a trade?

Houston Among Interested Trade Partners:

Previous Insight:

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Kings Stubbornness Makes Trade Unlikely:

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