When the clock strikes midnight tonight, the NBA’s free-agent period begins, with Rudy Gay a key supporting player in this unfolding drama. But don’t expect resolution on Rudy anytime soon.
- LARRY KUZNIEWSKI
Though negotiations can begin tomorrow, contracts cannot be signed until July 8th. With Gay a second- or third-tier free agent in a pecking order that begins with the likes of Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Bosh, he may have to wait for a few dominoes to fall before truly determining his options. And even then, as a restricted free agent, if Gay signs an offer sheet with another team, the Grizzlies will have a full week to decide whether to match the offer.
So tomorrow is only the beginning of a process that could last several weeks. To get a handle on where things could be headed and what approach the Grizzlies should be taking, let’s examine three different issues relating to Gay’s free agency: His value as a player, the six possible end-games, and the most likely competitors to sign him.
