Grizzlies aiming for deal with Gay

By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Friday, March 20, 2009

One of the Grizzlies' offseason priorities will be to sign Rudy Gay to a contract extension.

That springtime fact already puts the organization and Gay on the same page for what could be a busy summer.

While the 6-8 forward is focused on finishing this regular season on a strong note, Gay has one eye on his future. And Gay said his offseason goal is to work out a deal that keeps him as an integral part of the Grizzlies' rebuilding.
"As a player and a person, I want to be set going into next season," Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay says of his potential contract extension.Nikki Boertman The Commercial Appeal

"As a player and a person, I want to be set going into next season," Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay says of his potential contract extension.Nikki Boertman The Commercial Appeal


"As a player and a person, I want to be set going into next season," Gay said as the Griz prepared to play a road game tonight against the New Orleans Hornets. "I want to be comfortable and work on trying to be an All-Star. So yeah, (an extension) is important to me."

Gay is winding down his third NBA season. He is eligible to negotiate a contract extension beginning July 1.

If the Grizzlies and Gay don't reach an agreement before the start of next season, the former Connecticut standout would become a restricted free agent in summer 2010. That would put Gay in the same situation teammate Hakim Warrick is playing through now.

Warrick failed in his bid to get an extension before the start of this season and will become a restricted free agent when this campaign ends. It is plausible that the Griz may allow the league to set Warrick's market value and then exercise their right to match any contract if deemed reasonable.

Atlanta's Josh Smith went through that waiting game last summer when the Griz put down an offer sheet that the Hawks matched.

Gay knows the game.

He would rather mimic the process his buddy, Hornets point guard Chris Paul, went through. An extension was done quickly.

Paul, a first-round pick with the Hornets in 2005, signed a four-year extension worth $68 million in early July 2008. Paul's deal is three years, with a player option for a fourth.

Money aside, Gay sounds as if security is important.

"(Negotiations) can go either way," Gay said. "Even without the economic situation, you think about being secure. You can get hurt so it doesn't matter how bad the economy is.

"But this is where I want to be. Playing for a coach that's as passionate as (Lionel Hollins) is and playing for someone who makes you work hard, makes me want to pick up my game. I think I have since (the coaching change), so I'm comfortable that this is where I should be."

Agent Jeff Austin, who recently took the place of Lance Young in representing Gay and Paul, said Thursday that his client is motivated to remain in Memphis.

"He likes it there," Austin said. "It's all good. It's not like there's any negatives. We'll sit down after the season and talk about it."

Griz general manager Chris Wallace declined comment, calling discussion "premature" and a possible "distraction."

"I have no real thoughts on that either way," Hollins said. "If a guy is reasonable, it'll get done. I just don't think anybody can take (negotiations) personal. I don't think Rudy can take it personal. I don't think his agent can take it personal. The organization can't. It's just business."

Among the factors both sides will consider will be money and the length of a potential deal. Expect Gay to consult Paul, who signed a three-year extension instead of a five-year extension after doing research and talking to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

At one time, Gay appeared to be headed toward earning the maximum salary allowed. Those terms may be in jeopardy given Gay's inconsistent season.

His averages in points (18.8), rebounds (5.7), assists (1.7), overall shooting (44 percent) and 3-point shooting (31 percent) are all down from last season.

Despite playing for his fourth coach in a Grizzlies uniform, Gay sounds no less committed to excellence.

"I have the potential to be a franchise player," Gay said. "This year didn't really show it. But everybody that's seen me play knows I'm capable. I think this organization's heart is in the right place. I just want them behind me. I guess we'll see this summer how much they support me."

Hey! No homo at the thread title

I wonder if we can work out a sign and trade with a team with another RFA. Gay for Lee might work nicely.

Hold back on the gay for lee jokes.

Posted by JohnWallace44:

oh I forgot that Lee won't play for Memphis...

and why would we trade a PF for a SF when we got like 5 SFs.

i think we might wanna avoid using the words "gay" & "working out extensions" in thread titles from now on.