The J-Notes
Fansided

3 Jazz players that won’t be back next season after missing play-in

By Jared Koch

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 23: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz shoots between Kenrich Williams #34 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of a game at Vivint Arena on February 28, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 23: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz shoots between Kenrich Williams #34 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of a game at Vivint Arena on February 28, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 13: Rudy Gay #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Miami-Dade Arena on March 13, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 13: Rudy Gay #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Miami-Dade Arena on March 13, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

1: Rudy Gay

Despite the Jazz being known to have a pretty youthful team, Rudy Gay is one of the three players on the current roster 30 years old or older. In Gay’s case, he’s just a bit older than the others, turning 37 come August.

Gay has been with the Jazz for the past two seasons, playing a total of 111 games, averaging 6.7 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game. While he’s entering the tail end of his career, Gay has still been able to provide solid bench production, along with the important veteran leadership a young team like the Jazz should value.

As far as Gay’s future with the Jazz goes, it seems as if we may have seen his final games in a Utah jersey, or maybe even an NBA jersey altogether.

You’d have to think with his current situation, retirement could certainly be in the picture for Gay. You don’t see many players playing much longer than a 16-year career. While nothing is imminent, or has even been reported, don’t be surprised if you see him hang it up.

If Rudy decides not to retire, he finds himself with a $6.4 million player option on his contract. While this is probably more than he would find on the open market, if he does decide to come back for another season, wouldn’t it just make more sense to play for a team that’s more competitive right now?

Rudy Gay hasn’t ever won an NBA Finals in his career, let alone ever come close. If there was ever a time to pursue the ultimate goal of a championship, the time is now.

If he decides to come back for year 17, it should be for a title push. Unless there are some drastic changes in Utah coming in the next few months, we should expect not to see Rudy Gay back with the Jazz next season.