Although Rudy Gay became undesired as a member of the Toronto Raptors, the Sacramento Kings saw promise in the former first-round pick and acquired the veteran last season via trade.
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Gay not only turned around his season but the Sacramento Kings’ as well considering the team played near .500 ball when he, Isaiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins were in the lineup. That normally might not be much to brag about, but for a team that hasn’t sniffed the postseason since 2006, playing even average ball is enough to get excited over.
The former UConn star had the chance to become a free agent this offseason though would have left $19 million dollars on the table. Not wanting to do that, Gay exercised his player option and will become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season. The Sacramento Kings have made no qualms about their desire to bring Rudy Gay back, but according to Hoops Rumors, it doesn’t look like the forward will sign an extension during the season.
"It would certainly be reasonable for Gay to come to terms soon to capitalize on the enthusiasm the Kings have about him, but I still don’t expect him to join Bogut, Bryant, Randolph and Parker among the four other veteran extension signees."
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks will have plenty of cap room at season end and with a rising salary cap, Rudy Gay stands to make more money by not signing an extension. If he’s looking to make the most cash possible, he’d need to re-sign with Sacramento once the season concludes as they hold his Bird Rights.
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