I wouldn't mind trading Rudy Gay to Portland for CJ McCollum. That kid is a straight baller. He is a legit #2 option for 2 very important reasons/criteria that Rudy Gay does not meet. 1) Ballhandling and shooting. He can do both effectively and will only get better at it. 2) Creates for himself, and most importantly, for others. My criteria for a #2 wingman is when the beast goes out (Cousins), the number two has to either 1) pick up the scoring load himself (and efficiently) or 2) keep the offense going by getting everyone else open looks when the defense focuses on them. Rudy can't do either, at least not effectively or consistently. He will have his 30 points+ nights for sure, but he can't keep the offense going to save his life and he most certainly cannot create for others. When he is the main focus of the defense, he's not nearly as effective. What Rudy Gay is, is a tremendous #3 option. CJ would solve our shooting problem, extra ballhandler problem, and give us a true #2. However, as good a year as CJ is having, the question remains can you count on such production for years to come? Do we risk upsetting Rondo or our "chemistry" by trading arguably our 2nd best player?
I've seen a few reports (I can't find them - don't remember where) where I have seen questions of whether or not Portland should trade McCollum, which is the only reason why I bring him up.
