2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 sneaky good deals made by contenders thus far
By Dalton Sell
Rudy Gay was a sneaky good signing for the Utah Jazz in 2021 NBA Free Agency
It was largely swept under the rug when the Utah Jazz signed Rudy Gay just several days ago, but the 15-year veteran could be a solid piece for them.
What Gay brings to the table first and foremost is another solid scorer on the wing. The forward has averaged 16.8 points per game for his career on .454/.350/.799 shooting splits, making a living as a pure scorer. While the 34-year-old’s best days are behind him, he will undoubtedly help give this Utah team more firepower on the offensive end.
Hypothetically, he would claim the starting forward spot from Royce O’Neale, pairing him with other offensive minds like Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley. However, that is not guaranteed as the veteran has become a sixth man over the past few seasons. In that scenario, he would bolster Utah’s bench further alongside reigning the Sixth Man of the Year in Jordan Clarkson. That would be a lethal one-two punch to bring off the bench to hit some tough shots.
Furthermore, his deal is also justifiable at $12.1 million over two years, with the second being a player option. That is reasonable enough for a veteran of his stature that will bring some offensive contributions to the table right from the jump. His skill set on that side of the ball should make him an easy fit next to Utah’s other key players, and this move could prove itself to be sneaky good rather quickly as the Jazz look to take another leap next season.
After spending the last four years with the San Antonio Spurs, the veteran will get a fresh start on another Western Conference contender.