The Sacramento Kings are set to meet with star forward Rudy Gay on Tuesday afternoon in hopes of convincing the possible free agent to remain in the California capital.
More from NBA
- NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
- NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
- NBA insider explains real reason the Grizzlies were done with Dillon Brooks
- Knicks projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- Rockets projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
Gay, acquired by the Kings in an early season trade with the Toronto Raptors enjoyed a career resurgence and has suggested he could see a future with Sacramento. The feeling is apparently mutual as the Kings will attempt to sway the former UConn star with an all-out press which includes fans greeting him at the airport and a virtual reality tour of Sacramento’s new arena slated to open in 2016.
Currently the owner of a player option that will allow Gay to become a free agent or collect a $19 million dollar contract, the forward will need to decide if he wants to opt-in and remain with Sacramento for an additional season or opt-0ut, allowing him to test the open market or sign an extension to return to Sacramento.
According to Zach Lowe of Grantland, it’s the first option that Gay will be going with.
“…if Rudy Gay opts out of his contract, but that doesn’t appear to be Gay’s plan.”
It’s a tough call for Gay as opting out will leave $19 million dollars on the table, but opting in will force him to enter free agency against the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Love as opposed to players like Carmelo Anthony and Eric Bledsoe.
If Gay does end up opting out, it’s been said that the Kings could become suitors for Lance Stephenson of the Indiana Pacers.