Rudy Gay is considering testing the 2014 NBA Free Agency market instead of opting in with his current mega-contract, and the Phoenix Suns may have serious interest in him if he opts out.
Gay is scheduled earn $19.3 million if he opts in, and if he tests the free agency market he won't get anywhere close to those numbers. However, it may be about longevity and staying with a team for long time while still making eight-figures.
The Suns are one of those teams that can offer that, according to USA Today:
The Sacramento Kings small forward has a player option for next season worth $19.3 million, and the Suns are expected to have serious interest if he decides to opt out. While second-year Suns general manager Ryan McDonough is clearly open to a star player of any kind, it’s believed that he would prefer it to be a perimeter player.
The Suns have grown into a serious playoff contender while the Sacramento Kings continue to struggle. An All-Star caliber small forward is what Phoenix needs to get them over the hump, and Gay could definitely be that guy for them.
Either way, it seems like a win-win situation for Gay for whatever he chooses. The Kings are no joke either and they have enough talent to make noise for the postseason in the 2014-15 season.
Gay has improved a lot since entering Sactown, thanks to guys like DeMarcus Cousins and Isaiah Thomas helping him in carrying the offensive load. He could do similar in a Suns offense that features scoring and passing threats like Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe in the backcourt.
It's going to be interesting what Gay among other possible free agent small forwards like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Danny Granger do this offseason once free agency approaches.
