PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 07: Rudy Gay #8 of the Sacramento Kings during the preseason NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 7, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 102-98. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Former No. 8 overall pick officially headed to Western Conference contender

It's expected to be a tight contest in the West.

Heading into the 2017-18 season, Rudy Gay has played in just one playoff series. That all should change, as he's joining the San Antonio Spurs on a two-year contract.

Gay opted out of a $14 million deal to land with the Spurs and adds depth at small forward behind Kawhi Leonard.

With the Western Conference taking a step forward, with the Minnesota Timberwolves obtaining Jimmy Butler and Paul George landing with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gay provides even more depth to the perennial contender Spurs.

It's expected to be a tight contest in the West, and the acquisition of Gay should only bolster the Spurs chances of staying near the top of the conference.