Lack of Extension Could Pay Off Big for Rudy Gay

ORLANDO - Forward Rudy Gay didn't get that five-year, $65 million contract extension he wanted from the Memphis Grizzlies before this season began.

He may get even more now.

The lack of an extension will make him a restricted free agent this summer, an enviable spot with so many teams having created salary cap space to chase one of the stars.

Gay, 23, isn't in the class of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh - the bigger name, unrestricted free agent - but he isn't too far behind as a rising star who would be an attractive addition for any team trying to make a splash.

Because he is restricted, the Grizzlies still can keep him by matching any offer -- and they've said they will -- but there certainly could be a breaking point for a small market team that has struggled to attract fans.

"That's what they've said (that they'll match), but who knows? I've seen stranger things happen,'' Gay told FanHouse Sunday before his Grizzlies played the Magic. "This is the first time I've ever been through this. I'm just hoping for the best.''

Gay, in his fourth year, is having his most productive season, averaging 19.7 points and 6 rebounds while shooting a career-best 46.5 percent. He has scored more -- he averaged 20.1 points in his second season -- but has recently shown more of an all-around game.

He has been instrumental in the rise of the Grizzlies, who won just 22, 22 and 24 games in his first three seasons, respectively. New addition Zach Randolph is now the leading scorer, but Gay remains their best player. The Grizzlies (39-37) are the second most improved team in the league, trailing only Oklahoma City.

"It's easy to be a good player on a bad team, but I think I've established myself as a player now,'' he said. "We're a lot better team. And I've grown as a player. I think that should help (my value this summer).''

Gay, who scored a career-high 41 points against Miami earlier this season, was named to the 2010-12 USA Men's National Team Program, and could be part of the next Olympic team. It might not be long before he makes his first All-Star team.

"I don't think anyone who strives to be great -- like I do -- can just focus on one part of your game,'' he said. "I'm trying to be the best I possibly can be right now.''

Gay is expected to be targeted quickly by several teams once James, Wade, Bosh and Joe Johnson make their decisions this summer where they will play next season.

If teams like New York and New Jersey -- who have enough space for two maximum salaried players -- strike out with the biggest stars, they could pursue Gay, offering as much as a five-year, $75 million deal, knowing it could be too rich for Memphis to match.

The Grizzlies this summer offered Gay a five-year, $50 million extension, but wouldn't go any further,
and he turned it down. From the draft class of 2006, only LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland), Brandon Roy (Portland), Andrea Bargnani (Toronto), Thabo Sefolosha (Oklahoma City) and Rajon Rondo (Boston) signed extensions.

Gay, the No. 8 pick of the 2006 draft, will be the most attractive free agent from that class this summer, which should worry the Grizzlies.

"You never know what's going to happen. At this point, I don't get to pick the teams, but we'll listen,'' Gay said. "The success we've had can only help me. Hopefully, we'll get a deal done.''

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Full story at http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/04/04/lack-of-extension-could-pay-off-big-for-rudy-gay/