The Los Angeles Clippers are contending in the Western Conference, but that is not enough to exempt them from trade talks and rumors now linking them to Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay.
Recent reports stated that the Kings are open to trading Gay, but they have certain conditions and are seeking for the "right deal."
A team in the West, specifically the New Orleans Pelicans, reportedly made an offer (guard Alonzo Gee, veteran Eric Gordon) to Sacramento to acquire Gay, but it was rejected.
Now, ESPN's Chris Broussard said the Clippers are interested in Gay, but he believes they do not have enough assets to acquire the veteran forward.
Gay is performing well for the Kings and along with this, franchise star center DeMarcus Cousins and one-time champion point guard Rajon Rondo are also doing great as the team continues to battle for a playoff spot in the West.
Broussard said the three playing splendidly is something the Kings would not want to break up, and they should get real talent if they aim to part ways with Gay.
The 29-year-old forward is currently the second best scorer for Sacramento, averaging 18.4 points a game; Cousins leads the team listing 27 points per contest.
However, SB Nation's Sactown Royalty suggested that the Clippers can offer forward Lance Stephenson, although it was also mentioned that the Kings might be looking for a deal where they can add shooter J.J. Redick.
It is unlikely that the Clippers ship Redick to the Kings since he is a major part of the rotation and is efficient since joining the team in 2013.
Stephenson, on the other hand, is a possible trade piece for Lob City since he has yet to make an impact.
The 25-year-old forward was traded from the Charlotte Hornets before the season to add firepower to the Clippers bench, but so far it is a failed experiment.
Gay is expected to stay especially with the way the Kings are playing as of late, resurging and at one point even had a five-game winning streak which placed them eighth in the West.
