The Boston Celtics have reportedly had conversations with the Memphis Grizzlies about trading for star guard Rudy Gay, and while Gay would give the Celtics a strong scoring boost, Boston would be better served by adding to their frontcourt.
HOOPSWORLD's Alex Kennedy dishes on the Celtics' interest in Gay:
The Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics are among the teams that have had conversations with the Grizzlies about Gay, according to league sources.
Kennedy also adds that the Grizzlies aren't dangling Gay simply to get out from under his contract, which is substantial. According to Kennedy, "Gay is owed $17.8 million and $19.3 million over the next two seasons."
Still, the Grizzlies want value back for Gay, and considering we are talking about a player who is averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this season, it will take a nice trade package to land him.
The natural thought is that the deal would have to involve Rajon Rondo—take Rondo out of the picture and the Celtics would have to reshape their entire offense. That is not going to help them this season.
This isn't the route the Celtics need to go. Boston has been determined to win now, and sending off a player, or players, that it would take to acquire Gay would leave the Celtics stuck in neutral for the present.
Instead of shipping out one of their centerpieces, the Celtics should look at throwing together a package of some of their bench players and target a big man who can board and play defense.
The Celtics are 30th in rebounds. For a defensive-minded team, this is a fatal flaw. Kevin Garnett leads the Celtics with seven rebounds a game. Rookie Jared Sullinger is second with 5.7. He is coming off a career-best 16 rebounds on Wednesday night, but he lacks the consistency the Celtics need, and he is not a strong defensive player.
Boston doesn't need a star. They need someone who allows them the flexibility to play a bigger lineup, and can give a boost to the interior defense.
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