Rudy Gay is expected to decline his player option to become an Unrestricted Free Agent this summer, and it is incredibly likely that he leaves Sacramento especially since DeMarcus Cousins is gone. Gay is recovering from a torn Achilles’ tendon, which ended his season, but he should be cleared for basketball activities by June. It may be a risk to pursue a 30-year-old that just came off a severe injury, but Gay could produce offensively if he is able to overcome the injury.
Indiana Pacers
Last summer, the Indiana Pacers were engaged in trade talks with the Sacramento Kings to acquire Rudy Gay in exchange for Monta Ellis.
Those talks never gained traction, but it showed that the Pacers had interest in the 10-year swingman. After being swept in the first round of the playoffs, the Pacers must get more help for Paul George. Gay would be an ideal addition to the team since George could then move to the shooting guard position, making the Pacers bigger and more versatile on defense. If they add Gay, Ellis and Lance Stephenson could then remain permanently on the bench as the reserve backcourt players.
Oklahoma City Thunder
After losing Kevin Durant last summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a major void to fill at the small forward position. For most of the 2016-2017 season, Andre Roberson started at the small forward spot.
Although Roberson is an elite perimeter defender, he is extremely limited on the offensive end. Additionally, he will become a restricted free agent this summer, so he may not even return to Oklahoma City. In his place, the Thunder could elect to sign Rudy Gay, who would give more offensive resistance to Russell Westbrook. The only issue is that Gay may have to slightly adjust his style of play to fit alongside Westbrook.
Gay likes to isolate at times, which would have to stop if he were to join the Thunder.
Los Angeles Clippers
For years, the Los Angeles Clippers have flipped through multiple small forwards, from Caron Butler, to Jared Dudley, to Wesley Johnson, to Paul Pierce, and now Luc Mbah a Moute. None of those players became the 3-and-D guy they were hoping for.
However, if Gay agreed to become just a spot up shooter, he would be a great fit at the three due to his ability to score and play solid defense. Of course, the Clippers have bigger worries this offseason with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick all becoming free agents, but Gay would be a pleasant addition.
