The NBA trade deadline is still a few weeks away, but trade rumors are picking up, with a sudden eruption in Griz-related conjecture today.
Let’s work though the names that have appeared, in order of significance:
RUDY GAY:
Here’s what ESPN.com’s Chad Ford wrote about Gay today in a column about potential trade targets:
The Grizzlies are playing their best basketball since Jerry West was the GM, so why would they mess with a good thing?
There are two reasons, according to a pair of general managers who have spoken with the Grizzlies in recent days. One, Memphis is concerned that this summer a team flush with cap space will offer Gay (who will be a restricted free agent this summer) a huge contract that Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley will be unwilling to match. Two, the team, currently at 22-19, would love to make the playoffs and believes it’s a veteran defensive presence away from getting there.
While a number of teams would be interested in Gay, a rising talent at age 23, keep your eye on the Pistons. They have been hunting for the right trade in which to move Tayshaun Prince. If Prince is healthy (he has been battling back and knee injuries all season), he might fit the bill for Memphis — and the Pistons could throw in a lottery pick from this year’s draft to sweeten the deal.
A lot to consider here. First, I don’t at all doubt the quality of Ford’s sources and there’s nothing here that strains credibility. That said, this tidbit deserves a careful reading: Ford says that he talked to a couple of general managers who have talked to the Grizzlies and that those executives give a rationale for why the Grizzlies would consider dealing Gay this season. Ford doesn’t write that those general managers have had trade discussions regarding Gay. So, it’s hard to tell how serious this is. My guess is it’s just due diligence: There’s reason to believe Gay could get an offer next summer in excess of the five-year, $50 million offer the Grizzlies made last summer. And if he does, the team will have a difficult decision to make. The Grizzlies should be game-planning all relevant scenarios, and I’m sure they are.
