Sports
NBA Rumors: Rudy Gay Expected to Draw Interest from Lakers, Warriors, Mavs, More – Bleacher Report
After being traded twice in the span of a week, Rudy Gay will finally get to choose his own destination for the 2023-24 season after being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It seems he won’t lack for suitors.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans are all expected to express interest in Gay once he clears waivers.
Gay, who turns 37 next month, averaged 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 37.8 percent from the floor. The numbers marked career lows across the board for Gay, who has been a consistent double-digit scorer across his 17 NBA seasons.
The UConn product has played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs in addition to the Jazz. While he’s never been selected to an All-Star team, he’s been a consistent two-way player over the course of his career before age began playing a factor the last two seasons.
All teams listed will almost certainly expect Gay to sign on a veteran’s minimum contract. The Thunder will pay him $6.5 million for the 2023-24 season despite waiving him, allowing Gay to double dip and allow him to rake in a total salary of over $9 million.
It’s unclear if Gay has anything left in the tank after his disappointing 2022-23 campaign in Utah. But on a minimum deal, there will be no risk for any of the playoff contenders listed as being interested.