Free Agency News: LeBron Opts Out, Westbrook Opts In, Watford Gets an Offer
Free Agency News: LeBron Opts Out, Westbrook Opts In, Watford Gets an Offer
Today is “Option Day” in the NBA, where we hear news of which players are returning to their teams, or join free agency. This has a limited effect on the Blazers this season, besides their pickup of Delano Banton, but let’s see what’s happening with other teams around the league.
We do not plan to post every single player contract update. Many are generally irrelevant to the Blazers, but following league news is its own sport during free agency. If you’d like to check the latest updates, but do not want to visit social media, check out the rumors page on HoopsHype. Here is their Blazers-specific rumors page.
- LeBron James has opted out of his contract. Bobby Marks reports that he’s eligible to sign a 3-year, $162 million extension that will run until he’s 42 years old.
- Russell Westbrook has picked up his player option with the Clippers. But reports state that he may still be on the move, if a deal can be found.
- Kevin Love is declining his player option, but he and the Miami Heat have interest in him returning.
- Among the players who are now free agents: James Wiseman and Malachi Flynn (both had their options declined by their teams),
Updates on Former Blazers:
- Blazers legend Joe Ingles had his option declined by the Orlando Magic, but there is mutual interest in a return.
- Trendon Watford received the qualifying offer from the Brooklyn Nets, and is now a restricted free agent.