Opt-out tracker: AD, Grant reportedly becoming UFAs, DeRozan locks in
Los Angeles Lakers big man Anthony Davis is turning down his $28.7-million player option for 2020-21 and becoming an unrestricted free agent, sources told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
The move is expected to be a formality, as Davis reportedly plans to sign a new max contract with the Lakers.
Davis isn't the only one who will elect to hit free agency. Milwaukee Bucks wing Wesley Matthews is declining his $2.7-million player option for next season, too, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Numerous other players have decided to stay put with their current clubs, including San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan. The four-time All-Star has opted into his $27.7-million player option for this upcoming season, sources told Haynes. DeRozan would've been one of the bigger names available if he'd hit the free-agent market. He's also been recently mentioned in trade rumors.
Meanwhile, Orlando Magic forward Evan Fournier is exercising his $17-million option, Charania reports.
Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum is reportedly opting into his $27.1-million salary for 2020-21.
Several other notable names have pending decisions to make on player options:
| Player | Team | 2020-21 Option | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gordon Hayward | Celtics | $32M | |
| Anthony Davis | Lakers | $27M | Out* |
| DeMar DeRozan | Spurs | $27.7M | In |
| Nicolas Batum | Hornets | $27.1M | In* |
| Otto Porter Jr. | Bulls | $28.4M | In* |
| Andre Drummond | Cavaliers | $28.8M | In* |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | Mavericks | $19M | In* |
| Evan Fournier | Magic | $17M | In* |
| James Johnson | Timberwolves | $14.4M | |
| Kelly Olynyk | Heat | $13.6M | In* |
| Tony Snell | Pistons | $11.5M | In* |
| Jerami Grant | Nuggets | $9.3M | Out* |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Lakers | $8.5M | Out* |
| Jabari Parker | Kings | $6.5M | In* |
| Rodney Hood | Trail Blazers | $5.9M | Out* |
| Enes Kanter | Celtics | $4.9M | |
| JaMychal Green | Clippers | $4.9M | |
| Avery Bradley | Lakers | $4.9M | |
| Robin Lopez | Bucks | $5M | Out* |
| JaVale McGee | Lakers | $4.2M | In* |
| Stanley Johnson | Raptors | $3.7M | In |
| Wesley Matthews | Bucks | $2.7M | Out* |
| Rajon Rondo | Lakers | $2.6M | Out* |
| Willie Cauley-Stein | Mavericks | $2.2M | Out* |
| Mike Muscala | Thunder | $2.2M | In* |
| James Ennis | Magic | $2M | Out* |
| Mario Hezonja | Trail Blazers | $1.9M | In* |
* reported
(Source: Spotrac)
The Lakers acquired Davis, 27, prior to last season from the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 blocks in his first year in Los Angeles and was instrumental in the franchise winning its 17th title.
While Davis, a seven-time All-Star, is likely to commit his future to the Lakers, he will still have to wait a few days to officially put pen to paper. Free-agency negotiations will be permitted beginning Nov. 20, with teams allowed to sign players on Nov. 22, as per an agreement to amend the collective bargaining agreement between the league and players' union last week.