Jan 12, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Rudy Gay (22) shoots over Dallas Mavericks point guard Darren Collison (4) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 104-83. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Rajon Rondo said recently  that the Celtics “need” Rudy Gay.

With the team riding a five game win-streak under the influence of premier defender Avery Bradley, the validity of that need may be a little less pronounced.

But that isn’t to say it doesn’t make sense to bring Gay aboard.  Gay is just 26 years of age, and he is just entering his prime.  He could pair favorably with Rajon Rondo after Paul Pierce is gone.

The thing is, most have speculated about sending Pierce for Gay.  Does that need to happen to bring the UConn product aboard?  Or could Gay be obtained without ever giving up Pierce, who many feel should retire a Celtic.

Taking my talents to ESPN’s Trade Machine, I was able to concoct a reasonable offer for Rudy Gay that did not involve sending the 10-time NBA All-Star in return.

Boston Trades:  Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, Courtney Lee

Boston Receives:  Rudy Gay and Marreese Speights

This deal requires giving up talent, to be sure.  But it is favorable for the Grizzlies for a multitude of reasons:

1) It improves their depth.

2)It gives them a small forward for the future in Jeff Green.

3) And it even improves their already strong perimeter defense by adding one more guard who excels in ball pressure (Courtney Lee).

4) Brandon Bass will fill a similar role to Zach Randolph when he comes off the bench

Boston, meanwhile, does this because:

1) It acquires the player Rondo wants and gives them another strong scoring option in Gay, who has averaged over 17 points per game this season for the Grizzlies.

2) In addition to Gay, the C’s would also obtain the 6’10″ Marreese Speights, who would add interior toughness and is able to play both the 4 and 5 spots.  Speights is posting a PER of 15 this season and 12 rebounds per-36.

3) It allows Jared Sullinger out of the shadows of Brandon Bass, and he could start with Speights backing him (and Kevin Garnett) in the frontcourt.

May 9, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marreese Speights (5) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Clippers power forward Reggie Evans (30) during the second half of game five in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 92-80. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE

Speights finally got out of Philadelphia. For years, he dominated summer league, drew hype, and then returned to the bench behind Elton Brand. Zach Randolph’s injury turned out to be Speights’ opportunity. When Randolph went down the Sixers dealt their backup small forward Sam Young for the backup power forward Speights. Speights got his opportunity to start, and shined in the role.

Teams will want that kind of talent to start.

There are a few teams that could benefit from Speights. Sacramento comes to mind, Houston, Minnesota, Dallas, and others. Speights’ toughness and athleticism will improve a defense and increase the team toughness quotient, as well. He’s a contagious type of energy and at early points in his career, I thought he would be a far better player. Sometimes we get our hopes a little too high, but Speights shouldn’t disappoint, provide we do temper our expectations somewhat.