The summer escapades of the Indiana Pacers might not be complete just yet.
According to a report by Marc Stein of ESPN on Saturday, the Kings and the Pacers are discussing the framework of a deal that would send forward Rudy Gay to Indiana. Sacramento is said to have interest in acquiring Monta Ellis in return but the Pacers apparently prefer to send Rodney Stuckey instead.
ESPN sources say Sacramento and Indiana have had recent trade discussions involving Kings F Rudy Gay potentially sending him to the Pacers
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 2, 2016
Sacramento still has interest in Monta Ellis — its top free-agent target last summer — but Indy is said to prefer dealing Rodney Stuckey.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 2, 2016
The 29-year-old Gay was recently mentioned as potentially being available for trade. A move to Indiana seems like an incompatible fit for both sides, however. The Pacers already have a scoring forward, and a borderline elite one at that, on the roster in Paul George. And though Gay or George could hypothetically toggle between both forward positions in smallball lineups, Indiana recently dealt for high-usage power forward Thaddeus Young.
The Pacers may be looking to clear out some space in the backcourt after acquiring Jeff Teague in a separate deal. But a 30-year-old Rodney Stuckey probably has little appeal in a league teeming with higher-quality options at the guard position. And even despite Sacramento’s interest in Ellis, it’s a legitimate question as to if they would have a big enough role to offer him with their DeMarcus Cousins-centric offense and the fact that they just agreed to terms with fellow 2-guard Arron Afflalo on Saturday.
Sacramento will undoubtedly continue to shop Gay on the trade market as the offseason progresses, but it doesn’t look like Indiana is the right trade partner for them at this point in time.
