The Toronto Raptors are said to be interested in entering the Rudy Gay Sweepstakes according to ESPN.com.
On Tuesday, Yahoo! Sports reported the Memphis Grizzlies contacted a number of teams about Gay’s services and had entered discussions with the Phoenix Suns about a possible deal.
A few hours later, ESPN.com reported that the Raptors were hoping to build a package to bring the 26-year-old swingman to Toronto. Sources told the site the package might revolve around Jose Calderon, whose contract expires at the end of this season, and/or Ed Davis, a young power forward who has begun to reach his potential of late.
The site says that the Raptors tried to make a deal for Gay prior to the draft in June as well but it fell short.
Rudy Gay on trade talks: “If it happens it happens. So what.” bit.ly/13eWL9C
— Commercial Appeal (@CAGrizBlog) January 8, 2013
The Grizzlies are a few million dollars over the luxury tax level and are said to be entertaining offers for Gay in order to clear some cap space and flexibility going forward. With Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Gay all signed to long-term deals they will need to make a move for this to happen. The Memphis Commercial-Appeal reports that Randolph may also be available as well.
The field is getting crowded for Gay’s services as the Golden State Warriors were also interested but could not work out a deal because it would likely have to include Richard Jefferson’s bloated contract according to CBSSports.com.
The Sacramento Kings are also said to have entered the chase for Gay’s services, while Hoopsworld reports that the Celtics may also be interested as a back-up plan if they are unable to make a deal for Kings centre DeMarcus Cousins.