Rudy Gay Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation Surrounding Kings Star
Rudy Gay has reportedly informed the Sacramento Kings that he'll decline his 2017 player option to become an unrestricted free agent. Because he's "unlikely to negotiate a new deal to return to the franchise," Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported on Sept. 19, he's a potential trade piece.
Continue for updates.
Gay Linked to Thunder
Thursday, Nov. 17
ESPN.com's Zach Lowe reported on Thursday morning that the Thunder "remain interested in bigger wings, including [Gay], sources say, in part because such a player would slide everyone down to their intended spots: [Victor Oladipo] to the bench, and Andre Roberson back to defending shooting guards."
Royce Young of ESPN noted that the Thunder are more likely to make a push for Gay after extensions for Oladipo and Steven Adams, since there will be salary-cap constraints in 2017.
Gay Comments on Trade Rumors
Thursday, Oct. 20
Gay discussed his situation on Wednesday, per ESPN.com:
"I wake up every day and get ready to play the next game. I'm with the Sacramento Kings. I prepare as if I'm going to be with the Sacramento Kings. I have no choice but to work for the Sacramento Kings. All the speculation is B.S. Really, it's out of my control. I'll come here and be with my teammates and act as if I'll be here all year.
I hear it. I've been traded before. If I came here as if I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't help my teammates. That's a league thing. That's not just me. That's something you don't want a reputation for.
"
Joerger Comments on Gay Trade Rumors
Thursday, Oct. 20
"He's a wonderful human being who's grown as a player and a leader. He likes it here," head coach Dave Joerger said about Gay, per ESPN.com. "We all want to win a little bit more. There's going to be rumors. Guys in the last year of contracts, guys 6-8 who can do the things he does [on the court]."
Heat, Kings Reportedly Discussing Trade Involving Gay
Tuesday, Oct. 18
Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders reported that the Miami Heat and Kings have discussed a trade that would send Gay and teammate Darren Collison to Miami for Goran Dragic.
"Sacramento has to trade Gay," an Eastern Conference executive said, per Scotto. "He's already informed them he doesn't like it there. They can't let him walk for nothing."
Gay Reportedly Being Shopped by Kings
Monday, Sept. 19
On Sept. 19, Wojnarowski reported that 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."
Kings Still a Playoff Contender if Trade Happens
The Kings still hope to compete for the playoffs this coming 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 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.
Through 11 games of the 2016-17 season, Gay is averaging 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
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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