The Sacramento Kings have made Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore, and Kosta Koufus available via trade, according to Marc Stein of ESPN:
Kosta Koufos, Ben McLemore and, of course, Rudy Gay are three Sacramento Kings available via trade, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 8, 2016
Sacramento has been retooling its franchise throughout the better part of the last 12 months. Firing head coach George Karl and losing talent such as Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli, and Caron Butler, Sacramento has made it known it plans on heading in a new direction.
Trading Gay, McLemore, and Koufus could also be on its list.
With new head coach Dave Joerger now in the fold, the Kings are looking to reshape what’s been a disaterous last few seasons. From locker room tension to on-court chemistry issues, the Kings have been struggling as of late.
Sacramento’s offseason so far has seen the additions of Arron Afflalo, Anthony Tolliver, and Matt Barnes. The Kings aren’t done yet, as they hope to move these three players and acquire others either via trade or signing.
The whole plan, of course, is for the team to revolve around DeMarcus Cousins. After all, that decision was set in stone once the team chose keeping him over George Karl.
All three players have value in this league. Gay, who’s been on the trade block for much of the season, can provide an offensive boost for teams in need of his services. He holds career averages of 18.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
According to Ailene Voisin of the Sac Bee, Rudy Gay would like to be traded. Sacramento is aware, and they’re pushing to ship him out as soon as possible:
Kings attempting to trade Rudy Gay (per his request), but adamant that they have no interest in Monta Ellis.
— Ailene Voisin (@ailene_voisin) July 8, 2016
To clarify here: Rudy Gay has not officially asked for a trade, but he wants out. Kings know it. If he is still on roster in Sept., beware.
— Ailene Voisin (@ailene_voisin) July 9, 2016
For Ben McLemore, a young promising player who turned 23 in February, he also primarily provides an offensive boost. Using his athleticism and shooting abilities, McLemore has averaged 9.7 points on 35% shooting from deep throughout his first three seasons in the NBA.
Lastly, Kosta Koufus. Koufus, an 8-year veteran center that averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds for Sacramento last season, could come off the bench and serve as a back-up center to teams in need of frontcourt depth. His 36-minute averages of 12.9 points and 10.3 rebounds are worth a look. Some teams around the association could use his size, standing at 7’0″ and weighing 265 pounds.
The Kings are working to re-vamp its roster. Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore, and Kosta Koufus are likely not a part of their future plans.
It remains to be seen which teams are interested in the three players, but expect the Kings to send them away sooner rather than later if the chance arrives.
