It is confirmed! Rudy Gay is leaving the Sacramento Kings. The 30-year-old forward has informed the Kings that he'll decline his 2017 player option to become an unrestricted free agent. Now, latest reports say the Los Angeles Lakers could offer Nick Young to get Gay from the Kings.
Yahoo News reported Gay's desire to leave the Kings could pressure the organization to trade him sooner rather than later. Sports analysts also say it will be the best option for the Kings rather than losing Gay in the 2017 NBA free agency without getting anything in return.
Gay is expected to earn $13.3 million this season. If he exercised his player option next summer, he would get $14.3 million. However, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical said Gay might ask for a much higher salary in free agency.
For those who have been following Gay's trade rumors, his decision is not surprising. In July, Gay said he did not like the management of Kings Organization to its members. When Gay signed his four-year contract with the Kings back in 2014, he was happy with the direction of the team under general manager Pete D'Alessandro and Coach Michael Malone. However, Malone was fired a month later, and the organization kicked D'Alessandro.
In 2015-2016 Season, the Kings had a really bad performance and head coach George Karl openly feuded with some of the players.
Now, several sports websites claim Los Angeles plans to get Gay from the Kings. In return, the organization would offer guards Nick Young and Lou Williams. The Kings currently need efficient guards that can score and dish assists. Young is known for his excellent shooting touch, while William has a decent ball handling skills.
For the Bryant-less Lakers, they really need an offensive player and Gay may provide that. The small forward averages 17.2 points, 5 rebounds and 1.4 steals last season. In addition, he is a solid player on the wing, making him a serious offensive threat. Paired with a good point guard, Gay would certainly be an excellent piece for the Lakers.
As always, basketball fans should take the rumors mentioned above with a grain of a salt. If the Lakers and the Kings proceed with the deal, we'll give an update as soon as possible. Stay tuned with Gospel Herald for more NBA news.
