The 2017 free agency class received a little boost on Monday. In a surprising decision, it was reported Sacramento Kings small forward Rudy Gay will opt out of the final year in his contract and become a free agent. The 30-year-old is in the midst of recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered during the season. Marc Spears first reported the news.
Set to earn $14.2 million next season, Gay chooses a riskier route by opting into free agency. He did average 18.7 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game last season, but the road of recovery from a fully torn Achilles is always tough and it's made even harder when the player is in your 30's.
It's a risky move for Gay, but also a moment where he could realize his career is precious and the remaining years can't be wasted on a rebuilding team. He believes he could return to working out and able to play on the court by June, but his free agent stock will be murky until teams are able to see him work out.
It's a beneficial move for the Kings, who now gain more cap room and flexibility heading into the offseason with a clear idea about their needs at small forward.