Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is determined to hold on to Gay, whom he considers a vital talent with All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins as the Kings move into a new arena this season. Nevertheless, Sacramento hasn’t ruled out trading Gay, but the team wants to compete for the playoffs, and team officials believe there are few, if any, deals available that could offer them short-term value on Gay, sources said. Some teams have been unclear with what exactly Sacramento wants in return, and others say the asking price is too unreasonable. Several teams have engaged the Kings in trade talks, but teams say those conversations have yet to find traction. Sacramento has shown no inclination to move Gay without a substantial package in return, league sources told The Vertical. Forward Rudy Gay has informed Sacramento Kings management that he plans to use his 2017 player option to become an unrestricted free agent and considers himself unlikely to negotiate a new deal to return to the franchise, league sources told The Vertical.
