Rudy Gay has officially announced his retirement from the NBA after a remarkable 17-year career.

“This is the end of my NBA journey,” Gay stated in a post on The Players’ Tribune on Tuesday. “Everyone reaches a moment when they realize their abilities just aren’t what they used to be. I had to accept that and say: This chapter is finished.”

At 38 years old, Gay last played an NBA game on March 22, 2023, for the Utah Jazz. He signed a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors in September 2023 but was waived shortly after.

“Honestly, I can’t say my career went exactly how I envisioned it. Let’s be frank: it didn’t. My journey isn’t a fairy tale. Ultimately, I would describe it as complicated,” Gay explained. “I won’t let myself dwell on the past forever, right? Why spend my life pondering what could have been?”

Gay was a McDonald’s All-American and a highly regarded recruit from high school. He played two seasons for the UConn Huskies (2004–2006) under coach Jim Calhoun and was selected as the eighth pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2007. Throughout his career, Gay also played for the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz.

In a total of 1,120 regular-season games, with 779 of those as a starter, Gay averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

“I feel immensely grateful for the love, wisdom, and friendships I’ve gained through basketball,” Gay expressed. “Eighteen years in the league have allowed me to learn from some of the greatest players ever. I’ve made incredible lifelong friends. I feel good. Healthy. Inspired. I have a loving family, and I love them deeply. I consider myself the luckiest man alive.”