Rudy Gay informs Kings he'll opt out

Forward Rudy Gay has informed Sacramento Kings management that he plans to use his 2017 player option to become an unrestricted free agent and considers himself unlikely to negotiate a new deal to return to the franchise.

Gay’s pledge to the Kings’ ownership and front office that he’s strongly leaning against re-signing with Sacramento is a declaration that could increase pressure on the organization to trade Gay sooner rather than later.

Gay, 30, holds a $14.3 million player option for the 2017-18 season. He’ll make $13.3 million this season.