The 28-year-old forward has been criticized by the analytics and advanced statistics crowd over the years with Memphis and Toronto, which both improved after his departure. Gay also is experiencing a rival of sorts. But they have pulled off some big wins already this season, including a 94-91 victory over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The Kings, who went 28-54 the last two seasons, have missed the playoffs eight straight years. Gay is averaging 22.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season to help Sacramento to a surprising 6-4 start. The Kings acquired Gay in a trade with Toronto last season, and he has teamed with center DeMarcus Cousins to form a dynamic scoring duo in California’s capital city.
He was set to become a free agent in July. Gay is making $19.3 million this season after exercising his player option last summer to return to Sacramento.
