With Gay playing well, and the Kings climbing up the Western Conference standings into a playoff spot, the situation in Sacramento is about to become even more interesting. In 24 games this season, the former eighth overall pick has averaged 18.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 1.5 SPG. Although trade rumors and speculation persist, Joerger has made the 30-year-old a focal point of the offense, and Gay has responded by being his usual productive self. Gay’s public comments about his future could have created problems in Sacramento, but the team has handled the situation pretty admirably so far. Although the Kings still hadn’t shown an inclination to move him at that time, it seemed nearly certain that Gay was planning to sign elsewhere in the summer of ’17.
But just in case Gay’s motivations weren’t 100% clear, a report surfaced before training camp began in September indicating that the veteran forward had informed the Kings he would opt out of his contract in 2017. Gay’s ominous “wherever that might be” line was a fairly strong signal that his long-term plan didn’t necessarily include a lengthy stay in Sacramento. I’ve just been focused on trying to be healthy and trying to get in shape and get ready for the season, wherever that might be.” I don’t even know who our new players are to be honest with you. “ I don’t know,” Gay replied when he was asked about new head coach Dave Joerger and the Kings’ roster.
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At the time, nearly one month into free agency, Gay also didn’t seem too interested in who his teammates for the coming season would be. Rather than repeating the usual sentiments about his coming free agency, Gay bemoaned the lack of stability and consistency in Sacramento, suggesting that he hadn’t had “the kind of communication” that he wanted with the team. With that precedent in mind, Rudy Gay‘s comments in an interview with Sactown Royalty this past July came as a bit of a shock. When your contract is winding down, it’s easy to say that you’d love to be back with your current team, since that’s what just about everyone says. These players won’t necessarily be dealt in advance of the deadline, but it won’t be surprising if they are.Įven if an NBA player has no intention to re-sign with his current team when he becomes a free agent, he’ll often say all the right things to reporters. In the months leading up to February’s trade deadline, Hoops Rumors will be taking a closer look at several players we consider trade candidates, discussing their value, speculating on potential destinations, and explaining why they are – or should be – available.