Alright Madison @ Schilling Farms friends, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week or so, you know of all the drama and controversy surrounding LeBron James and his decision to move to the Miami Heat. Well, while the Heat recieved James, Bosh, and Wade very well, our very own Memphis Grizzlies had a celebration of their own: Rudy Gay finalized his $83 million contract.

Amidst Stax Music Academy band fanfare and appearances by the Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford, Gay stepped out in his tailored 3-piece suit to sign his contract. Pretty big for a 23 year old. Gay even stated that he felt like he won an Oscar or something of the sort. In a way he has.

Gay, who averaged nearly 20 points in three of his first four seasons, received strong interest from Minnesota, New Jersey and the Los Angeles Clippers. Heisley offered Gay the most money he could receive over five years less than 12 hours into the NBA’s free agent period.

Now, with this multi-million dollar deal, Rudy definitely has to prove his worth on the court. In a bold statement made by Gay he said “We’re not building anymore…we’re done rebuilding. We’re ready to compete in the playoffs.”

Here’s hoping…