The Miami Heat are slowly rebuilding and moving forward with Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic taking on the leadership roles in the team. Without Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, along with the impending end of the Chris Bosh contract soon, the Justise Winslow team seems to be looking for another strong voice and influence in the locker room. Among the free agents Pat Riley has his sights set this offseason are Blake Griffin and Rudy Gay.
The Los Angeles Clippers are still in the running against the Utah Jazz in the NBA playoffs. However, the Sacramento Kings ended their season early as they failed to once again make it to the postseason games. The same happened to the Miami Heat as they were pushed by the Chicago Bulls, which now has their former leader, Dwyane Wade. However, will a Rudy Gay contract on their roster next NBA season change this situation for Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic?
Rumors are rife that the Sacramento Kings are ready to listen to offers for a Rudy Gay contract this offseason. With the veteran star once again injured, it seems that his market value will automatically plummet. However, fans believe that his leadership skills and great locker room influence are strong aspects of his free agency campaign.
"He's a terrific human being and he's a good teammate, also by the way, he's a pretty talented guy," said Dave Joerger of Rudy Gay. The Sacramento Kings head coach finished his first year with the team, which experienced a turbulent season that peaked when the DeMarcus Cousins trade to the New Orleans Pelicans was announced.
"This is the first year we worked together and every day is better and better. Like I said, I'm so happy to work with him. I think he's a great coach and I saw exactly what I saw in him this summer when I hired Dave to join us. He shares the same values and the same way of basketball," said front office leader Vlade Divac of the head coach.
Many believe that a Rudy Gay contract with the Sacramento Kings could only be possible if the veteran's injuries do not heal on time. That is, his agents are reportedly scouring the market for a potential deal to help the star move.
"Rudy would be likely to opt in if he suffered any sort of setback in his rehab, or if his agents felt there wasn't a strong market for a multi-year deal. But if Rudy's agents are confident such a deal exists, and if Rudy continues progressing well in rehab, I expect Rudy Gay will opt out," predicted Sactown Royalty of SB Nation.
What do you think? Should Pat Riley gamble for a Rudy Gay contract? Or should the Miami Heat seek younger stars to join Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic?
