The Indiana Pacers traded for Thaddeus Young of the Brooklyn Nets just hours before the 2016 NBA Draft, but it appears as if Larry Bird had his eyes on another small forward – Rudy Gay of the Sacramento Kings.
According to The Vertical, the Kings and Pacers were in serious discussions regarding a Gay trade and the trigger was nearly pulled, however Sacramento’s asking price was too high for the former UConn talent.
Per RotoWorld:
The Kings’ asking price was apparently too high, but The Vertical is reporting that they are still looking to move Gay. The forward has two years left on his deal, but he has a player option for the 2017-18 season. We’ll let you know if he’s linked to any other teams.
Sacramento eventually traded Marco Bellenlli to the Charlotte Hornets for the 22nd overall pick and the Pacers traded their 20th selection to Brooklyn for Young, so perhaps Indiana was only willing to give up their selection for Gay.
Either way, it’s a case of what could have been as Gay remains in Sacramento for now.
How much longer though, is unknown, as it’s reported the Kings are looking to trade their small forward before the start of the 2016-17 season.
