Heat free agency 2017: Six players Miami should sign

Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
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Rudy Gay 

Arguably the most polarizing free agent on the market, Rudy Gay opted out of nearly $14 million in Sacramento to explore free agency and there is mutual interest should the Heat resort to Plan B.

Here’s the caveat with signing Rudy Gay: It must be done at the right price. A multi-year investment in the 31-year old would be irresponsible and quite frankly a direct opposition to the Heat’s strategy as the look to maintain ultimate financial flexibility for the big free agent class to come next year.

There’s no telling what type of market Gay will garner. In his prime, he was a perennial 20+ point per game player who could score with an array of shots. While that production has dropped off slightly (Gay played in just 30 games last season after suffering a ruptured Achilles) there is still game left and a team that needs scoring at the small forward position (like the Heat) will explore bringing in Gay.

Much like James Johnson last season, Gay is the type of reclamation project anyone could see the Heat relishing. This seems to be the last resort if all other free agency plans fail, but if the Heat trust they can keep him healthy and restore his greatness they will undoubtedly seek to sign Gay.