With the Spurs’ 2017/18 season now in the books, Rudy Gay will face a decision this summer on whether to play out his contract or return to unrestricted free agency. Gay’s two-year deal with San Antonio includes an $8.8MM player option for 2018/19, and Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News writes that Gay sounds “genuinely torn” over whether to exercise or decline that option.
“Obviously I have to go through and assess some things,” Gay said. “But after a season like this, it’s hard not to want to come back and fight for a championship. I love these guys.”
Gay, whose 2016/17 campaign ended early due to an Achilles injury, made a speedy recovery and was ready to go for the Spurs in the fall. However, he was nagged by heel problems during the winter, limiting him to 57 regular season games, and never seemed fully like his old self.
“A lot of times, I will-powered through games, will-powered through practices,” Gay said, per McDonald. “I didn’t feel like there was anything worse I can go through (than the Achilles tendon injury).”
Although Gay averaged a career-low 21.6 minutes per contest, his per-minute numbers were solid, as he posted 11.5 PPG and 5.1 RPG with a .471/.314/.772 shooting line for the season. He’ll enter this offseason in better health as he considers his option decision.
With NBA free agent spending not expected to be as extravagant this summer as it has been in the past couple years, an $8.8MM salary is probably a fair price for Gay, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see him return to San Antonio on that deal. However, that $8.8MM figure is in the ballpark of the projected mid-level exception for 2018/19, and it also wouldn’t be a surprise if another team wanted to sign Gay to a multiyear deal using its full MLE.
While the Spurs have interest in bringing back Gay, other factors will dictate how much they could offer him if he decides to test the market, McDonald notes. Tony Parker and Kyle Anderson will be free agents this offseason for San Antonio, while Danny Green also has a player option for 2018/19, so the Spurs’ cap outlook hinges on a few roster decisions.
I think Gay will opt out. Maybe go join the Heat, Cavs, Hornets(if they move Batum), Philly, or Denver
He’s got a choice. Take the $8.8MM and play for the Spurs as they may or may not rebuild. Or go to a for sure contender for probably less money. It’s the age old question for the veteran player, what is more important winning or money?
If San Antonio trades Kawhi, it may be the start of a rebuild. They have gotten fairly old across the board. Aldridge is just 32, but does anyone really think of him as the primary piece on a playoff club? He is a very good secondary piece though. With Kawhi and a SG upgrade, the Spurs could make the playoffs again. Without Kawhi next year, they are probably a 32 win club. The Gasol contract is really hurting them.