Ranadive has told associates that he believes he can change Gay's mind this year and persuade him to stay, league sources said. 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. 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. So far, Sacramento has shown no inclination to move Gay without a substantial package in return, league sources told The Vertical. Gay's pledge to the Kings' ownership and front office that he's strongly leaning against re-signing with Sacramento is a declaration that could increase pressure on the organization to trade Gay sooner rather than later. Gay's name has been in trade rumors for months, dating back to the middle of last season.

Rudy Gay has informed the Sacramento Kings that he will opt out of the final year of his contract next summer and likely sign somewhere else, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.