From NBA.com: The Toronto Raptors’ decision to trade Rudy Gay was seen largely as a move aimed at financial flexibility.
Since the deal, though, they’ve been one of the better teams in the NBA.
Toronto will face Gay for the first time since trading him when they visit the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
Gay shifted teams for the second time in less than two seasons as part of a seven-player deal Dec. 9. The trade also saw Aaron Gray and Quincy Acy join him in Sacramento, while Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson, John Salmons and Chuck Hayes were sent to Toronto.
With two of those acquisitions from the Kings playing on expiring contracts and Gay set to make more than $37 million through next season, the Raptors’ motives appeared based on finances.
However, Toronto’s 19-10 record since remaking its roster has been among the best in the league and the Raptors (26-22) are atop the Atlantic Division.
Projected Starters
Raptors:Kyle Lowry (G), DeMar DeRozan (G), Terrence Ross (F), Amir Johnson (F), Jonas Valanciunas (C)
Kings: Isiah Thomas (G), Marcus Thornton (G), Rudy Gay (F), Jason Thompson (F), DeMarcus Cousins (C)
Injury Updates
Raptors: Landry Fields – Right wrist surgery (out),
Kings: None
By The Numbers: Raptors @ Kings
| Team Comparison | |||||
| 2013-14 AVERAGES | 2013-14 RANKINGS | ||||
| TOR | SAC | TOR | SAC | ||
| PPG | 99.3 | 101.6 | PPG | 18 | 13 |
| FG% | .438 | .451 | FG% | 24 | 15 |
| 3FG% | .365 | .344 | 3FG% | 13 | 25 |
| FT% | .773 | .771 | FT% | 7 | 8 |
| OFF | 11.9 | 11.9 | OFF | 8 | 10 |
| DEF | 31.5 | 31.9 | DEF | 20 | 16 |
| REB | 43.4 | 43.8 | REB | 14 | 11 |
| AST | 20.8 | 19.8 | AST | T-17 | 29 |
| STL | 6.9 | 7.4 | STL | 26 | 18 |
| TO | 14.2 | 15.0 | TO | 9 | 16 |
| BLK | 4.4 | 4.0 | BLK | 23 | 29 |
