National Basketball Association

NBA Trade Rumors: Should The Milwaukee Bucks Trade For Rudy Gay?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mar 27, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) dunks the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 133-111. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY.

NBA Trade Rumors: With the loss of Khris Middleton to injury, we explore whether the Milwaukee Bucks should trade for Rudy Gay

After it was announced that the Milwaukee Bucks would be without Khris Middleton for six months, or the majority of the 2016-17 NBA season, it was reported that the team was already making calls to see if they can find a replacement at the wing position.

Question is, this close to the opening of NBA training camps, is there a wing out there to be poached?

Almost instantly, there’s one name that comes to mind. Rudy Gay.

Even though he isn’t the ideal fit, in fact far from it, for the Milwaukee Bucks, he’s really the only bigger name (that fits the position of need) publicly on the trade market.

Though, should the Bucks make a move for Rudy Gay? We explore the advantages and disadvantages of such a move.

Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks fans hold up a sign during the game against the Chicago Bulls in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Advantages: Big(ger) Name Factor

For one, Rudy Gay is a big name. He’s a name that could potentially attract ticket sales. Even though many may not know that he’s one of the most inefficient players in the NBA (which we’ll discuss in depth later), Gay is a name that people know, and would get excited about.

The Milwaukee Bucks aren’t known for their big names, even though Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting there on multiple levels, and Gay could be that guy for the Bucks.

Set aside his limitations in his game, Gay is still viewed by most of the general NBA fandom as one of the better players in the game. He’s athletic, long and can play a multiple of positions – which is pretty much the mantra for every Milwaukee Buck.

Speaking about his ability to fill up the stat sheet…

Jan 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) shoots and scores a basket over Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) and guard DeMar DeRozan (10) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Fill It Up

If nothing else, you know that Rudy Gay can fill up the stat sheet. He’s averaged double-digit scoring and at least four rebounds per game in every season of his career in the NBA – yes, even his rookie season.

That’s actually quite impressive, especially when you consider how much he’s pushed aside when discussing some of the better players in the NBA.

Last season, Gay averaged 17 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on 34 percent shooting from three-point range. At 6-foot-8, Gay is one of the NBA’s most versatile wing players. He’s shown the ability, mostly because of his unique size and athleticism, to play up front or in the backcourt

In a contract year, that could prove to be invaluable to a team like the Bucks. If Milwaukee can get a motivated Rudy Gay, this move would make even more sense. For both sides.

Disadvantages: Liability On Defensive End

One of the bigger criticisms of Rudy Gay’s game is his defensive limitations. At 6-foot-8, and with his athleticism, you’d expect someone with Gay’s measurable to be one of the better and most versatile defenders in the NBA.

While that could be said about his offensive game, that’s never been the case for Gay on the other end of the floor. Last season, Gay had the 7th worst defensive rating on a bad Sacramento Kings defense.

In 2014-15, Rudy Gay had the NBA’s 429th best Defensive Rating Plus-Minus (-2.46). That’s bad. Really bad. Last season, Gay was a bit better. He ranked 175 in the NBA in DRPM (0.36). Still, that’s not great.

Again, Gay should probably be a better defender. It’s one of the most head-scratching areas in his game.

Inefficient Scorer

For as much as Gay can light up the scoreboard, he isn’t exactly the poster boy for efficient scoring – and that’s putting it lightly.

This is a guy who has all the talent in the world, but can’t seem to get his shot selection under control. Even though Gay is coming off one of his better seasons (overall shooting percentage-wise), if you dig deeper you can tell that stat is a bit fool’s gold.

Gay shot 46 percent from the field last season, which was actually his best overall shooting percentage since his 2010-11 season. He also shot 34 percent rom three-point range, which is about average for his career. He actually shot better from three last season (36%).

With that said, Gay had one of his worst true shooting percentages (.538) of his career last season. He’s also coming off posting his second worst PER (player efficiency rating) of his career (15.5). Actually, his worst since his rookie season. Not great.

Again, Gay can put up points. They’re just not going to come at a particularly efficient rate.

Mar 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd calls out during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 105-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict

Ultimately, Rudy Gay simply doesn’t fit with what the Milwaukee Bucks need. Even though they’re one of the longest teams in the NBA, and Gay would fit seamlessly athletically, the fact that he needs the ball in his hand to be effective should be the ultimate turn off.

The fact that Gay is an inefficient shooter should be the second. And the way be plays defensively should be the closing case.

Could Gay have the best season of his career in 2016-17? Absolutely. After all, most players do in contract years. And that’s exactly what Gay is entering this season.

However, it shouldn’t come as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. The ideal replacement for Khris Middleton should be an above average three-point shooter. After all, the Bucks were already thin in that area WITH Middleton.

They’re even moreso without him. Though, that hypothetical player could prove to be difficult to land. If he’s even out there.