Still, the Kings have many more moves to make if they are going to turn their long-struggling franchise around. He had shot just 38.8% in 18 games with the Raptors before the trade and 45.1% in his eight-year career. The 27-year-old who was so often criticized for his inefficient game averaged 20.1 points on 48.2% shooting overall in 55 games with Sacramento while adding 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Gay came to the Kings from the Toronto Raptors in an early December trade and rehabilitated a reputation that was on the serious decline. Gay's representatives and Kings general manager Pete D'Alessandro have been discussing an extension for quite some time, but still have until Oct.

Gay's decision is significant for a Kings team that is trying to return to relevance under new ownership and management, as the notion of him leaving after less than one season in Sacramento would have been seen as a step backwards.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been made public. Sacramento Kings small forward Rudy Gay has decided against becoming a free agent and will instead exercise the player option for the 2014-15 season worth $19.3 million, two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.