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Indiana Pacers: 5 potential free agency targets in 2017

By Adrian Lawhorn

Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) defends Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) as he drives to the basket in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) defends Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) as he drives to the basket in the second period of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) shoots a free throw during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Rudy Gay, SF

Rudy Gay fits the profile of a top Pacers free agent target: someone who has been a productive player, but is coming off a serious injury (think David West in 2011).

If Gay were healthy, he would probably be out of range for Indiana. However, the Pacers could be in the running for the 6’8″ forward since he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon last January.

Gay is reportedly still in recovery, so he potentially could be had for a (relatively) bargain salary if a team is willing to take a chance on his return to good health.

Gay played in 30 games for the Sacramento Kings last season; he was averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest when the injury occurred. He also connected on a solid 37 percent of his looks from beyond the arc in 2016-17.

Rudy Gay is not a player who would interest any team looking at a total rebuild, but Indiana may want to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot even though Paul George is no longer with the team.

A healthy Rudy Gay would be a solid replacement for George, and rolling the dice on him could pay off big, just as it did when the club gambled on David West a few years ago.

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