Grizzlies And Raptors Seek A Third Team To Complete Trade: Could Celtics Get Involved?
By Mike Cerra
Jan 23, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Rudy Gay (22) brings the ball up court during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the FedEx Forum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 106-93. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports
The Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors are closing in on deal that would send Rudy Gay to Toronto, but to complete the trade they need a third team to get involved. The Grizzlies have no interest in acquiring point guard Jose Calderon and would like to send him elsewhere. With the Celtics looking for a short term replacement to fill Rajon Rondo’s spot, could Boston try getting in on the action?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski –
"Several league officials tell Y! Sports that Memphis has a plan to route Jose Calderon to a third team for assets in Rudy Gay deal."
While Kevin Garnett and Jose Calderon have had a history, acquiring Calderon would be a great move. He’s a more than capable leader on the court and he can supply points. But the only remaining question is who would Boston have to give up? The Celtics have made it pretty clear that they will not be trading Jared Sullinger or Avery Bradley, and Boston probably isn’t willing to trade a player like Brandon Bass for a point guard.
With the fact that Boston has been in trade discussions with the Memphis before, it’s possible that Danny Ainge might still be on the phone with both Memphis and Toronto.
UPDATE # 1
From Ken Berger of CBS Sports –
"League source confirms Memphis-Toronto discussions for Rudy Gay deal have reached ownership level. Two and three-team scenarios in play."
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, there are also reports that a number of other teams are attempting to make runs at Jose Calderon.
"Third team not yet in stone but Pistons have had interest in Calderon all season & have two SFs to help MEM fill Gay void: Prince & MaggetteESPN sources say Dallas is other prime landing spot for Calderon, but I’m told Mavs reluctant to part with SF that Grizz want: Vince Carter"
It seems like a trade could be imminent, but there are a lot of conflicting reports. This may go on for a while as teams try to be the third team of a potential trade.
UPDATE # 2
According to Marc Stein, a trade may be imminent.
"ESPN link to Grizz/Raps Rudy Gay trade in principle … with Detroit or Dallas looming as possible third team in: http://es.pn/XT6HzE"
But according to Sam Amick of USA Today, Boston might be involved.
"ESPN link to Grizz/Raps Rudy Gay trade in principle … with Detroit or Dallas looming as possible third team in: http://es.pn/XT6HzE"
UPDATE # 3
David Aldridge is reporting that the Detroit Pistons will complete the deal.
"Source says Grizzlies will complete three-team trade with Toronto by sending Jose Calderon to Detroit for Prince and a second round pick…Source confirms @ESPNSteinLine report that MEM will send Rudy Gay/Haddadi to Toronto for Ed Davis/Calderon, who will be flipped to Detroit."