NBA Rumors, Predictions; Rudy Gay Trade Coming? Houston Rockets Are Champions – Jeff Van Gundy

The NBA has opened and the official rosters have been finalized. However, nothing is final until February in the NBA. This early, trade rumors are making the rounds.

The Toronto Raptors are one of the teams on the crossroads. Most of the teams have already decided on which path they will take. In other years, that happens in February before the trade deadline. However, with the best draft haul in over a decade looming in the horizon, as well as the biggest free agency frenzy in history, some teams have already called 'shotgun' this early.

The Toronto Raptors are not one of them...yet. The key piece here is Rudy Gay. They acquired Rudy Gay, a borderline NBA superstar from the Memphis Grizzlies when it became clear that Memphis is not interested in extending his contract. Rather than let him walk away, they took whatever assets they can take in exchange.

Now, that conundrum is in Toronto's hands. With a new GM in place, most observers thought they will tank. The Detroit Pistons, who have decided to retool now, with the current free agents instead of next year (a wise move), offered their expiring contracts (Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva) for Rudy Gay. The Toronto Raptors promptly refused, with GM Masai Ujiri boldly stating they are not trading Rudy Gay for peanuts.

However, trade talks continue to fly and the Ujiri's phone keeps on ringing. Rudy Gay would want the maximum, and Ujiri isn't one to overpay. There is a wealth of assets on sale next summer, and they could get lucky in the lottery if they lose enough games. The loss of Rudy Gay could result in a quality free agent and the next franchise player.

For now, though, Ujiri refuses to answer.

Meanwhile, one team whose direction is clear is the Houston Rockets. Former New York Knicks coach now notorious ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy thinks the Rockets launch will lead them to a stellar path. Speaking with 95.7 The Game Radio (transcribed by Sports Illustrated), he boldly predicts the Rockets to go all the way:

"I love the Rockets. I think the Rockets will come out and play in the Finals and I think the Rockets will win the championship. I really like Houston's makeup.They have to make steps defensively. Howard helps with that. I love Beverley. They're going to start him I believe. He'll set a great tone on the ball. If you can defend the basket and the ball, you have a great, great chance."