NBA trade rumors 2016: New Orleans Pelicans nix Ryan Anderson deal for Rudy Gay

Rudy GayReuters

Ryan Anderson was once again at the center of National Basketball Association (NBA) trade talks and like the last time out, nothing materialized.

Anderson was recently linked to a possible trade with Phoenix Suns' forward Markieff Morris which, as everyone knows never prospered. This time, it was Rudy Gay in the center of talks.

Gay was someone the Pelicans could use, but the thing is the Pelicans may be looking for someone better. Or, perhaps, they just realized they do have a chance to snatch a top rookie in the NBA draft wherein Ben Simmons looms as the top prospect.

Either way, the Kings would have benefitted a bit from Anderson since he can connect from the outside.

The Pelicans could have enjoyed some additional firepower as well from Gay, although all that seems to be academic now.

The Kings seem to be looking for a shooter right now. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are trying to make ends meet, with most of their players in sick bay. The Gay deal may be off, but anything is still possible for both squads with the NBA Trade deadline still far off (Feb. 18).

Gay was not bothered by trade talks, calling it part of his job. Like most players who have gone through it, Gay understands that there is a business aspect tied to it and that he just needs to be professional about it and just play ball.

If not the Pelicans, there could be other teams who could inquire about Gay. There are plenty of teams who could use a player of his caliber, particularly for what he can do on the offensive side.

Right now, that remains to be seen. And until some team comes knocking, Gay plans to do just one thing, focus on playing and probably try to help the Kings win games as long as he is there.