Toronto was in 11th place before the games were played Wednesday, 5 1/2 games behind Boston for the eight seed.Ĭalderon and Davis had both been starting for the Raptors, but they do have Kyle Lowry waiting in the wings at point guard and likely see Gay’s scoring punch as the key to vaulting back into the discussion in a mediocre conference. He is averaging 11.1 points and 7.4 assists this season for the Raptors (16-29), who are desperately trying to scratch their way into the playoff picture. Just over a week ago, the Grizzlies sent valuable reserve Marreese Speights and two other players to Cleveland in a move that cleared $6.4 million in salary and avoided a $4 million luxury tax hit this season.Īll told, the Grizzlies will save nearly $40 million over the next three years after the two trades.Ĭalderon has been a fan favourite and trusted veteran on the team. New Grizzlies owner Robert Pera took over the franchise last November and has quickly started addressing the team’s salary situation. 1 seed San Antonio before losing to Oklahoma City in seven games in the Western semifinals – all with Gay on the bench after needing season-ending shoulder surgery. The Grizzlies had their best playoff run in 2011 when they knocked off then-No. The six-foot-three Spaniard joined the team in the 2005-06 season and has played in 525 games, averaging 10.0 points and 7.2 assists per game.įor Memphis, trading away Gay eases a luxury tax hit due next season, while concentrating the team around centre Marc Gasol and all-star forward Zach Randolph. “Rudy Gay is a dynamic wing that elevates our talent level significantly.”Ĭalderon was the longest-serving member of the Raptors, having played his entire NBA career in Toronto. “This is the type of deal we have been looking for to take our team another step forward,” said Raptors president and GM Bryan Colangelo in a statement. Toronto is also sending a second-round draft choice in 2013 and cash considerations to the Grizzlies, who are flipping Calderon to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for forwards Austin Daye and Tayshaun Prince. The Raptors confirmed the deal Wednesday night while the team was taking on the Hawks in Atlanta. TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors have traded point guard Jose Calderon and forward Ed Davis to the Memphis Grizzlies for forward Rudy Gay and centre Hamed Haddadi.
Los Angeles ClippersĪ team where Gay can fit perfectly is Los Angeles Clippers. With 15 trades, this year's NBA Draft resembled a swap meet after four of the. If Pelicans make consensus with the Kings and Evans, Gay with his perimeter and 3-point shooting and Davis with his 20-25 points every night, they can hope for a playoff. Evans is the most likely player that will be included in this trade, but he is not willing to return to the Kings, where he played four seasons. Gay is the missing piece for this team to rise and shine.īut New Orleans Pelicans can't offer so much, expect some of the players I enumerated in my recent sentences. Anthony Davis is the second best center in the league, after DeMarcus Cousins. Their pick from this year Draft, Buddy Hield is an impressive shooter.
Jrue Holiday is an outstanding point guard. They have some great individuals on the roster.