With all the uncertainties about the starting lineup going into the season, Mike Dunleavy Jr seems to have solidified his name as a starting Small Forward. While his name may not scream “championship”, it does quietly whisper “reliable veteran”. The Bulls clearly trust Mike Dunleavy Jr as they signed him to a deal this summer nearing $15 million over the next three seasons.
It’s really unclear what the Bulls are trying to do with their wing positions. They traded a lot for Doug McDermott but signed Mike Dunleavy to a big deal when they both play the same position and style. Then there’s Tony Snell, a vibrant young forward who can play both ends of the court very well when given minutes. The Bulls seem noncommittal at times with Doug McDermott, which makes the rumors of bringing in Rudy Gay all the better.
The rumored trade for Rudy Gay involves Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott, two players that are playing in an expendable position. Rudy Gay’s contract is surprisingly very affordable at just $12 million per year, which is considered chump change in today’s free agency market.
There’s no secret the Bulls could use another star player, and that’s exactly what Rudy Gay can be. If the Bulls pull this off, this could be similar to the Pau Gasol addition to last season, a good case of salary versus production. Gay, at age 29, averaged 21.1 points per game last season for the Sacramento Kings. He was able to average more points per game than any Bulls player while having DeMarcus Cousins on his team.
With all the madness the Kings are facing with DeMarcus Cousins and Geroge Karl, Adrian Wojnarowski said he believes Rudy Gay could find his way out of Sacramento soon enough. The Bulls need to find a home for Taj Gibson, it’s almost a match made in heaven.
This isn’t just a one-way trade. The Kings would find big use for a veteran like Taj Gibson pairing up with DeMarcus Cousins. After losing Derrick Williams and Nik Stauskas, it seems Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott could be the perfect affordable replacement for that team.
At only $12 million a season, Rudy Gay can be the missing puzzle piece to the Bulls starting lineup. Butler and Gay would be a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor. Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and Rudy Gay lined up with the a front court that consists of Allstars like Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and their future prodigy Nikola Mirotic. One can only wish, but the Bulls can do more than wish, they have the chance to close the deal.
