While there were ongoing NBA trade rumors that Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay might be on the move this past season, it's now looking like he might make that move as a free agent. A report hit on Monday indicating that the 11-year NBA veteran is going to opt out prior to the June 10th deadline for the final year of his contract with Sacramento. His final year of that contract is worth just over $14 million. Gay was one of several players reportedly deciding to test out free agency as of Monday, which could make this upcoming summer and NBA Draft quite interesting.

Rudy Gay's resume

Gay has been a member of several teams since joining the league 11 years ago, including stints with the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, and most recently, the Sacramento Kings. While a member of the Kings, he teamed up with All-Star DeMarcus Cousins to form what many thought might be the core duo to lead them to postseason success.

However, that never panned out and trade rumors started up this past year for both Cousins and Gay. Cousins was part of a trade prior to this past season's All-Star break with the New Orleans Pelicans to bring in several younger, new players. He now helps to form one of the more talented frontcourts in all of the NBA alongside fellow All-Star Anthony Davis.

Over the course of his career, the University of Connecticut product has averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 Assists Per Game. In this most recent campaign with the Kings, he had 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.

Unfortunately, Gay's latest season came to a crashing halt when he suffered a complete tear of his left Achilles tendon in January against the Indiana Pacers.

As of this report, the prognosis is that Gay will be cleared for weightlifting again soon, and will be back on the basketball court by mid-June.

Two major free agents

The news of Rudy Gay deciding to opt out of the final year of his contract was just one piece of news regarding an NBA star deciding to do so. In addition to the Sacramento star, Toronto Raptors All-Star Kyle Lowry will also reportedly opt out of the final year of his contract to test free agency.

That gives plenty of needy teams two decent players to consider adding to their rosters.

In particular, one has to wonder if the Oklahoma City Thunder might be willing to take on one of these two players. Its been mentioned quite a bit over the past NBA season that Russell Westbrook is like a "one-man show" and needs more scoring help on his team. Gay or Lowry could certainly provide that, and looking at the two players, Gay might be the best fit. He'd be able to take over that forward wing spot that was left by Kevin Durant. While Gay is not the same caliber player, he may complement the talent of Westbrook very well.
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