NBA free agency rumors: Warriors eyeing Rudy Gay if Andre Iguodala leaves

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 03: Rudy Gay #8 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at American Airlines Center on March 3, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Golden State Warriors could potentially lose Andre Iguodala in NBA free agency, but they would reportedly be interested in Rudy Gay if that happened

Fresh off their second NBA Championship in three years, the Golden State Warriors faced a difficult situation in 2017 NBA free agency. Though losing Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry wasn’t in play despite their contract status, they were in danger of losing two key cogs: Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston.

Despite the fact that he was likely to garner heavy interest, the Warriors wasted little time tying down the latter. They agreed to a deal with Livingston almost immediately as the new league year began. However, the future of Iguodala remained much more in flux. Now it appears that’s so much the case that they’re putting a contingency plan into place.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on the The Jump Free Agency Special from the network, the Warriors have interest in former Kings forward Rudy Gay should they not retain Iguodala:

According to @wojespn, the Warriors may pursue Rudy Gay if Andre Iguodala decides to leave Golden State. Very interesting.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 1, 2017

As Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders noted there, that’s a very interesting play. While Gay is a talented player that could thrive in a new home, that’s an odd fit for the Warriors. Where exactly would he play? He’s not a 1-for-1 replacement for Iguodala should he leave. What’s more, he has never displayed consistent outside shooting to the point that he’d fit in that regard — though Igoudala never really has either.

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In truth, the Warriors are just operating as a smart franchise in this instance. Iguodala remains their first choice, as he should be. After all, he’s been an underrated piece in their three consecutive runs to the NBA Finals runs. However, they can’t be left dumbfounded should the veteran leave. Thus, doing their due diligence with Gay is the smart move here.

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