Warriors add ageless Rudy Gay to compete for roster spot

Gay has played 17 seasons in the NBA after being a top-10 draft pick in 2006

Sources confirmed Wednesday morning that the Warriors had signed 17-year NBA forward Rudy Gay to a non-guaranteed contract.

Gay, who turned 37 last month, will compete for one of the Warriors’ final roster spots in camp, which begins next Monday, with a group of prospects that includes 32-year-old Rodney McGruder.

Gay, a 6-foot-8 forward, has played in 1,120 games (778 starts) for five different teams. He spent the previous two seasons with the Utah Jazz, where he played a supporting role off the bench. In 56 games last season, he averaged 5.2 points on 38% shooting.

Gay has been linked to three teams this offseason, including the Warriors. Gay was traded by the Jazz to the Atlanta Hawks in June before being traded again a few weeks later to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who waived him.

Golden State bolsters an older and more experienced squad than last season’s team, which struggled with chemistry, with the addition of Chris Paul via a trade that sent Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and Ryan Rollins to the Washington Wizards, as well as the free agent signings of Dario Saric and Cory Joseph. They’re now looking to fill one of their open spots with a seasoned player who can help bring the team together and serve as a mentor to young players.

The Warriors also courted veteran center Dwight Howard, hosting him for a workout last week before declining to sign the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, who spent last season in Taiwan. Gay appears to be a player who would be a better fit as a glue guy.

Going into training camp, the Warriors have 13 players signed to guaranteed contracts. For financial reasons, they’re expected to leave their final roster spot open to begin the season, leaving only one spot available in camp.