4. Memphis Grizzlies
Yes, I know; Rudy Gay has already played for the Memphis Grizzlies, and they didn’t win a championship back then. Memphis’ core is in dire need of an athletic slashing scorer, however, and Gay undeniably fits the bill.
If the Grizzlies can bring Gay back without giving up its core four—Mike Conley, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen—then they should.
In seven seasons with the Grizzlies, Gay averaged 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.0 3-point field goal made per game. He averaged upwards of 19.0 points per game in five different seasons, which doesn’t include the 18.9 he averaged in 2008-09.
Though reunions may be frowned upon during the prime of a player’s career, this one could work out.
The Grizzlies have entrusted the future of the organization to Conley, Gasol, Randolph, and Allen. The core is undoubtedly postseason-caliber, but it lacks a dependable scoring threat who can offer 18-to-20 points per game.
If the Grizzlies can make a trade without giving too much up—for what it’s worth, the Sacramento Kings are fans of Wade Baldwin IV— then bringing Gay back could be a rewarding move.
Next: Dynamic Duo