Former King’s veteran waiving could lead to reunion in Sacramento
The Sacramento Kings have a mostly full roster – one conventional roster spot and one two-way spot remain. After signing important upgrades like EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, trading for Chris Duarte, and the recent signing of Nerlens Noel, the Kings have decisions to make.
One of these spots will undoubtedly have to be a point guard spot, as there is only De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell headlining those roles as of now. The spot will more than likely go to Kings Summer League standout and Sacramento native Jordan Ford after his convincing performances.
After former Kings Isaiah Thomas and Harry Giles III held private workouts for multiple NBA teams in Las Vegas, it’s time to look at another King that could be a potential target for a homecoming.
Rudy Gay was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, according to Shams Charania:
The Oklahoma City Thunder have waived Rudy Gay, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2023
Gay, who will be 37 next NBA season, never actually played a game for the Thunder, but was a part of multiple trades this offseason that saw him land in Oklahoma. His last season was for the Utah Jazz, where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1 assist per game in a reduced bench role.
Gay spent four seasons with the Sacramento Kings from 2013-2017, where he averaged 19.3 points, 6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game during that time.
Retirement or run it back one last time?
Considering the 6-foot-8 forward’s age, it would not be shocking to see him decide to call it quits and retire before playing out a farewell year. He will more than likely have a bench role anywhere he goes and also will play on a reduced contract.
However, Gay could make a return to Sacramento as well – but should the Kings target him?
Gay was a good player for Sacramento, and social media was speculative about a potential Kings return after his waiving was announced. Having a veteran come in and mentor young guys like Keegan Murray and Chris Duarte could prove to be incredibly useful, and his contributions off the bench would be solid and reliable nonetheless.
Gay could easily be a cheap option the Kings shouldn’t just instantly pass over, but it’s fair to say they shouldn’t be too keen on making this deal work.
Gay doesn’t necessarily fit the current Kings system, and while he could be a great mentor, maybe he would be better as part of the coaching staff rather than taking up a roster spot.
