There is a new Rudy Gay rumor out there today, with the Memphis Grizzlies apparently discussing a deal with the Washington Wizards that would net them Bradley Beal as part of a package of players.
For those who don’t get the reference below, the most famous street in Memphis is Beale Street.
I’d deal for Beal in an instant, and not just because a guy named Beal seems like a natural fit in Memphis. But I’m dubious it’s offered..
— Geoff Calkins (@geoff_calkins) January 14, 2013
Here is an excerpt of Ron Tillery’s story in today’s Commercial-Appeal going over the latest in the never-ending Rudy Gay trade speculation:
“Although Levien has chosen not to respond publicly to the rampant speculation, he has talked to Gay and his representative. According to a person with knowledge of those conversations, Gay is likely to remain a Grizzly through the end of this season. The message to Gay at the moment is that if he is dealt by the league’s Feb. 21 trade deadline, then the Griz will have been offered a no-brainer scenario. For example, the Griz have entertained the Washington Wizards’ offer for Gay. The crux of that exchange would have the Griz receiving rookie shooting guard Bradley Beal in a larger package. The proposals for Randolph have been even weaker. None of the potential deals has merit because they aren’t believed to be strong enough to keep the Griz on their current pace. Memphis (24-11) stands fourth in the Western Conference standings. The Griz are just two games behind San Antonio for the Southwest Division lead and 3½ games behind Oklahoma City for the West’s top spot. Gay and Randolph are the Grizzlies’ highest-paid players. Each will earn about $16.5 million this season and both players are due more than $17 million for the 2013-14 campaign. The reality is that one of them will be traded in the next two years because Griz ownership doesn’t want to be a repeat luxury-tax payer — something that is more punitive in the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Memphis will have a $4 million luxury tax bill for this season unless it sheds salary. Finances could be a factor in several decisions by the Grizzlies’ new ownership group, which is made up of more than 50 people.”
Sunday’s Tweet of the Day: Chris Herring (Wall Street Journal)