Rudy Gay Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation Surrounding Kings Star
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Rudy Gay has reportedly informed the Sacramento Kings he'll decline his 2017 player option and become an unrestricted free agent. Because he's "unlikely to negotiate a new deal to return to the franchise," according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, he's a potential trade piece.
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Monday, Sept. 19
Per Wojnarowski, Gay's reported desire to leave the team after the 2016-17 season "could increase pressure on the organization to trade Gay sooner rather than later," though the team has "shown no inclination to move Gay without a substantial package in return."
Several teams have contacted the Kings about putting together a deal to acquire Gay, according to Wojnarowski, though "teams say those conversations have yet to find traction" because "some teams have been unclear with what exactly Sacramento wants in return, and others say the asking price is too unreasonable."
In part, that is likely because the Kings still hope to compete for the playoffs this season behind a core led by DeMarcus Cousins, Gay, Willie Cauley-Stein, Arron Afflalo and Ben McLemore.
On the other hand, many teams are unlikely to give away a substantial package for Gay, 30, given the possibility they could simply sign him next summer.
Gay, who will make $13.3 million this season, would make $14.3 million if he exercised his player option for the 2017-18 season. But Wojnarowski believes Gay will command a much higher salary in free agency, especially if he can orchestrate a sign-and-trade. And Gay reportedly doesn't believe in "ownership’s ability to create a sustainable, winning environment" with the Kings, another factor in his desire to leave.
He was rather frank when discussing the matter with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated:
Indeed, he downplayed the decision, according to Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee:
The small forward was second on the team in scoring last year, averaging 17.2 points per contest while adding 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals. He remains a solid player on the wing, providing supplementary scoring, excellent length that allows him to play the 4 at times and average defense. Paired with a star or two, he's an excellent piece.
NBA writer Sam Vecenie believes a particular Western Conference team that recently lost a superstar forward in free agency would be a nice fit:
Gay isn't a superstar, and the Kings won't get a superstar's ransom for him in a trade. But the possibility of losing him for nothing may be enough impetus for them to deal Gay before the season begins or prior to the trade deadline.
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