Report: David West declines player option with Spurs, becomes free agent
David West reportedly declined his player option to evaluate his "playing future"
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1 min read
Hoping to win a championship, David West opted out of his contract with the Indiana Pacers last summer and then signed a veteran minimum's contract with the San Antonio Spurs. It was a bold move financially by West as he gave up around $11 million dollars to join the Spurs. However West repeatedly said throughout the season that he was happy with his decision and echoed similar sentiments after the Spurs were knocked out of the playoffs in the second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
But now that we are nearing the start of free agency, West has reportedly declined his player option with the Spurs to "evaluate his playing future."
From The Vertical's Shams Charania:
Spurs forward David West will decline his $1.55M player option for 2016-17 and evaluate playing future, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2016
West was a solid contributor for the Spurs and San Antonio would probably be happy to re-sign him. But since the Spurs lost in the playoffs and look to be a step or two behind the Thunder and the Golden State Warriors, West could possibly be looking to join a team that has an even stronger chance of winning a championship than the Spurs.
Also with the salary cap being at an all-time high this summer, West could be looking to make even more money than a veteran's minimum. At 36 years old, he is on the downside of his career but he is a heady veteran with plenty of experience and game left so there could be a number of teams that will want West on their roster.
