The LA Clippers’ Free Agency is going to be extremely interesting. With the need of a small forward always at the forefront, Rudy Gay will have to be looked at if the price is right.
Rudy Gay is coming off an Achilles tendon tear this season, but still plans to opt out of his current contract to test free agency, and the LA Clippers should be on the look out. The Clippers, who always seem to be in the market for a small forward, will definitely have their eye on Gay if they believe he can put them over the top.
Rudy Gay to opt-out of his Kings contract and expects to be back on the court mid-June, @TheUndefeated has learned. https://t.co/X4SW6DlhvF
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 8, 2017
The Clippers would have to do some work to fit Rudy Gay in under the cap. To get an idea of what their predicament looks like, just eyeball the chart in this article.
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The LA Clippers are looking at possibly the most important free agency in franchise history. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will command pretty steep contracts that will likely see $64+ million for the two superstars. The salary cap is expected to be $101 million. That possible $64+ million for Paul and Griffin eats up more than 60% of the teams cap and that does not include DeAndre Jordan’s 22.6 million due next season.
So, if the Clippers resign Paul and Griffin, like the Clippers have reported they would like to do, then a sign and trade of some sort would need to likely happen if Gay demands a high contract.
Clippers’ need at small forward
The LA Clippers will need to look at all, options especially with four starters eligible for free agency. Luc Mbah A Moute has been a great value signing by Doc, but he does have his limitations. Mbah a Moute is a great defender but his average 6.1 ppg doesn’t cut it. Gay averaged 18.7 ppg in 30 games before injury this season.
Gay opting out does give some sign that he believes he has outgrown his earlier contract, and willing to test the waters this free agency. Gay will command a max contract but he will most likely get a raise from this years contract of $13.3 million.
If somehow the Clippers are able to bring in Gay, LA is going to have to hope he can play some defense, where he has been inconsistent over the years. Similar to Kevin Durant’s this year, Gay could see efficiency on both ends have an uptick playing alongside the talent of Paul and Griffin.
Of course, there are many options to look at about the small forward position but Rudy Gay is an offensive upgrade the Clippers will no doubt have to view and see if he can make the team better.
Timing might not be on the Clippers side
Rudy Gay will be a sought after free agent and if for some reason it takes longer than expected to sign Paul and Griffin, then it might be a problem getting any free agents. Gay is a nice player but with every dollar becoming more and more meaningful because of the luxury tax bill, the Clippers will need to get him for the right price.
It is possible for everything to work out, especially if the front office can be organized and efficient with the timing of their signings, but it would need a sign and trade with possibly a J.J. Redick or a combination of players.