BREAKING: 17-Year NBA Veteran Reportedly Released
Rudy Gay is coming off a season where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 38.0% from the field in 56 regular season games for the Utah Jazz (the Jazz were the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record).
Over the summer, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, and then the Hawks sent him to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On Wednesday evening, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports that the Thunder will waive the 17-year NBA veteran.
Via Charania: "The Oklahoma City Thunder have waived Rudy Gay, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium."
While Gay is no longer in the prime of his career, he was once among the best forwards in the NBA.
He was initially the eighth pick in the 2006 NBA Draft out of UConn, and over his 17 seasons, the 36-year-old has played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors (and Jazz).
His career averages are 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.6% from the three-point range in 1,120 regular season games (he's also appeared in 19 NBA playoff games).
The Thunder are coming off a season where they were the tenth seed in the Western Conference and had a 40-42 record.
They have an exciting young team that is in rebuilding mode, so waiving Gay isn't a surprise.
Since Gay has significant experience, he could be a fantastic veteran for a contending team to add to their bench.
