NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Eye Rudy Gay Trade; LeBron James, Kyrie Irving target DeMarcus Cousins Next

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Sacramento Kings
Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call with the referee during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111.  Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

While the Golden State Warriors are busy building their super team with the addition of Kevin Durant to help Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers are not far behind from doing the same thing. LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are said to be working on the Rudy Gay trade to lure the Sacramento Kings star in their roster for the next NBA season. Apart from the 29-year-old small forward, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also reportedly targeting the DeMarcus Cousins trade.

The Sacramento Kings faced a disappointing 2015-16 NBA season as they battled on- and off-court issues. From the rumored feud of then head coach George Karl against DeMarcus Cousins as well as the injuries and suspensions, the Rudy Gay team fell from their rankings. With Rajon Rondo, who was expected to guide Cousins and the younger members of the roster, off to the Chicago Bulls this offseason, it looks like the rest of the Sacramento Kings stars are planning their exit as well.

One of the most widely speculated changes is the Rudy Gay trade this offseason. Reportedly under the rebuilding process, the Sacramento Kings are said to be looking into deals that could move the small forward and land them a young star to build their team around. Given his talent and lack of issues off-court, the Sacramento Kings star reportedly attracted the attention of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"Kings attempting to trade Rudy Gay (per his request), but adamant that they have no interest in Monta Ellis," reported Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee.

The same information was echoed by Marc Stein of ESPN. He shared, "Kosta Koufos, Ben McLemore and, of course, Rudy Gay are three Sacramento Kings available via trade, according to league sources."

The rumored request of Rudy Gay to be traded this offseason no longer comes as a surprise to NBA fans. The small forward, who barely participated in the drama involving George Karl and DeMarcus Cousins, had been a quiet influence in the Sacramento Kings roster since 2013. However, his talent appears to be buried due to the off-court concerns of the staff and players. Gay entered the NBA as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies roster from 2006 to 2013. He briefly stayed with the Toronto Raptors before signing with the Sacramento Kings.

"Gay's desire to play elsewhere makes some sense," noted Tony Xypteras of SB Nation. He further shared, "He signed an extension with the Kings just weeks before Michael Malone was fired, and his tenure as a King has only gone downhill from there. He was a solid, efficient offensive contributor under Malone, and after a poor year under George Karl's leadership, a trade could do him some good."

Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins might exit the Sacramento Kings roster soon as well. The big man had been one of the most emotional players in the hardwood court. While a number of fans feel that he has anger management issues, Cousins insist that his passion and determination to win can sometimes be misinterpreted. Stuck in a team that has been losing for years, the center feels frustrated over the situation.

"I love Sacramento. I consider this home, so that's not the problem. The losing is," said DeMarcus Cousins in an earlier interview. He further stated, "I'm not going to change myself-I am who I am. I'm very comfortable in my skin. Like I said, everything changes with winning."

With the rumored interest of the Cleveland Cavaliers to DeMarcus Cousins, winning just became a more tangible thing for the emotional big man.

What do you think? Will the Cleveland Cavaliers be able to counter the Kevin Durant deal with the Golden State Warriors by adding DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay to play alongside LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love?

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