Rudy Gay #22 of the Toronto Raptors
Upon reflection, it’s evident that Rudy Gay‘s time with the Toronto Raptors was not as mutually satisfying as initially hoped. In 2013, the Raptors orchestrated a trade to acquire Gay, aiming to bolster their roster with a prolific scorer averaging nearly 19 points per game. This move was part of a strategic vision to complement talents like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, signaling a potential new chapter for the franchise. However, Gay’s sentiments towards the trade were less than favorable.
Expressing his discontent, Gay conveyed his lack of agency in the trade decision, expressing a clear disinterest in joining the Raptors during an interview with the 7PM in Brooklyn show. His departure from the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was traded from, was not met with enthusiasm towards relocating to Toronto.
Conversely, the Raptors themselves found the trade to be less than ideal. Consequently, in December 2013, Toronto executed a trade sending Gay to the Sacramento Kings, thereby initiating a significant shift in the team’s trajectory. This transaction, while initially perceived as the beginning of a rebuilding phase for the Raptors, ultimately altered the course of the organization’s fortunes.
Following Gay’s departure, the Raptors experienced a notable resurgence. Despite a shaky start to the 2013-14 season with Gay, the team rallied to finish with a commendable 48-34 record, securing their first playoff berth in five seasons. Meanwhile, Gay’s subsequent career trajectory saw him make only two playoff appearances, neither of which resulted in advancing past the first round. His tenure in the NBA saw him playing for various teams before retiring in 2023.
Remarkably, the Raptors thrived in Gay’s absence, clinching seven consecutive playoff appearances and culminating in the franchise’s first-ever NBA Championship in the 2018-19 season, propelled by the stellar performances of Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry.
