Gay says he's notified Kings he will leave after this season
Rudy Gay has informed the Sacramento Kings that he plans to opt out of his player option following the 2016-17 season, and is unlikely to negotiate a new deal with the team, league sources tell The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.
According to Wojnarowski's sources, Gay is "strongly leaning" against re-signing with the Kings, putting added pressure on management to trade him this season. Another report by ESPN's Marc J. Spears indicated Gay has told the organization he is leaving.
"It's not rocket science," Spears quoted Gay as telling him.
While Sacramento hasn't ruled out moving the 6-foot-8 forward, the Kings reportedly believe there are few deals available that would be worth giving up a player of Gay's stature.
Gay's name has appeared in a number of trade rumors this summer, and has reportedly drawn interest from both the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat. The Kings reportedly have no desire to move Gay without a substantial return, leading several teams to label their asking price "unreasonable."
Gay stated in an interview earlier this summer that he hasn't had the communication that he would like with Kings management, and was less than thrilled when asked about Sacramento's offseason additions.
The 10-year veteran is scheduled to make $13.33 million during the upcoming season, and holds a player option for $14.26 million for the 2017-18 campaign.
In 70 games this past season, Gay averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals on 46.3 percent shooting and 34.4 percent from deep.
The Kings will open their season next month against the Phoenix Suns.