NBA Rumors: Former King Rudy Gay to opt out, become free agent
By Tyler Watts
NBA rumors are circulating that former Sacramento King Rudy Gay is declining his player option with the Spurs and will hit the free agent market.
NBA rumors are one of the best things about the social media age. News breaks before the ink is dry on a new contract or a player’s option is done via Twitter instead of through the league office. The rumor mill gave us a bit of news about a former Sacramento Kings starter on June 18.
The Great Rudini declines player option
Rudy Gay opted out of his $8.8 million player option with the San Antonio Spurs for next season. He will become an unrestricted free agent that is free to sign with any team in July.
It was a fascinating decision for Gay. He played parts of four seasons with the Kings. Many will remember his time in Sacramento ended after he tore his Achilles in January 2017. Gay was limited in his lone season with the Spurs by that injury. He played in just 57 games and averaged 21.6 minutes a night leading to his lowest point per game total since his rookie season in 2007.
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A reunion?
There is almost no chance the Kings bring back Rudy Gay despite being one of the few teams with significant cap space this offseason. It will be an interesting storyline to follow in free agency, though. Gay is 31 years old and has a lot to prove coming back from what can be a career-ending injury. Expect him to look to latch on with a contender in a similar role to the one he played with the Spurs last season.
Final thoughts
Former Sacramento King forward Rudy Gay declined his player option for next season and will be a free agent. The Kings are unlikely to have interest, but another NBA team will undoubtedly employ him next season.
Next: 5 reasons the Kings need to draft Luka Doncic
A Royal Pain has the 2018 free agency covered from every angle for Sacramento Kings fans. Please check back with us frequently because our team will have all the opinions and analysis on the remainder of the offseason as well. Thank you for reading.