While Gay’s cap number is pretty high, the salary cap spike would make it palatable and they could still go after a top free agent if they wanted to. They have a young forward like Otto Porter that could interest the Kings and could provide picks. If the Wizards want a big forward that can shoot the ball and provide a scoring punch on offense, then Rudy Gay is someone that that they should seriously consider going after. While the team is hinging their hopes on landing Kevin Durant in free agency, it’s a risky proposition to put all their eggs in one basket. They have been one of the most disappointing teams this season and it’s clear that change is in order for the Wizards. While they have talented core pieces that will be on the roster for many years to come, there’s also a bunch of things that need to happen for this roster to contend in the Eastern Conference. The Washington Wizards are going to really have to evaluate the future of their roster. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports 2.
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.Washington, DC, USA Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) passes the ball to Wizards guard John Wall (2) as Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) defends in the first quarter at Verizon Center. 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.