Player options can be tricky. They have a tendency to show a player’s true colors. It’s either about the money or the team — sometimes both.
Free agency can be a momentous time in any sport. In the NBA, however, the player options have transcended the way the business is conducted.
First and foremost… it is a business.
I think fans lose sight of that at times because the pandemonium of fanatics submerges you.
The 2014 free agency class will have its share of big-time guys who will get the money they deserve, and then there will be the players who get leaps-and-bounds more than they’re worth because they had a stellar contract year or their potential is high.
We’ve seen LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade use the player option to perfection in cashing in financially and situationally. Player options have become a go-to maneuver for basketball players who need a sudden change of scenery.
Like the aforementioned Miami Heat trio, they use the player options to team up together. For the most part, it’s worked.
Here are 10 players who could decline their player options to look for greener pastures:
10. Alan Anderson SG Brooklyn Nets
Anderson has found life in a hopeless place. The Brooklyn Nets were supposed to be a force to be reckoned with, and then they weren’t. Now they’re back and vying for a playoff spot and Anderson is a reason why. He’s not exactly a cornerstone player at 31 years old, but the guy can shoot the basketball. He’s shot 35 percent from three this season in about 24 minutes a game. His one-year option for next year is worth about $1 million, and I don’t think he can get too much more elsewhere. His age and resume suggests he’ll milk the Nets for as long as he can.
Option: Accept
9. Byron Mullens C Philadelphia 76ers
Mullens really peaked early, didn’t he? It’s upsetting he did so at Ohio State, but sometimes it happens. Mullens shot about 31 percent from deep last year with the Charlotte Bobcats — not exactly what you want from your big man. The Sixers are heading in a different direction. Nerlens Noel is expected to be ready for next season, and the possibility Philly drafts a big man in the 2014 NBA Draft is still real. Mullens’ option is worth just more than $1 million. Take the money, Mullens.
Option: Accept
8. Anthony Morrow SG New Orleans Pelicans
It’s never easy to scout a guy when he isn’t aloud to be on the court — too bad for that pesky “five players for each team” rule. In the past, Morrow has done well with an increased work load. Though he only played in 41 games last year, he’s turning it around this season. He’s shooting 48 percent from behind the arc. At 28, Morrow can still provide scoring off the bench. Plus he’s shooting 88 percent from the foul line. He’s another guy whose option equals out to just more than $1 million. It will be hard for Morrow to get a more favorable contract next year.
Option: Accept
7. Channing Frye PF Phoenix Suns
Since he left the New York Knicks, Frye has struggled to regain the form he once had as a stretch power forward, but he’s done it with the Suns. He’s dropping about 12 points and five rebounds a game, but he’s shooting 44 percent from the field. His player option is worth $6.8 million, and I don’t see Frye declining unless he has a really good agent, who thinks he can get more money. At 30 years old, Frye might be able to chase the NBA dram of winning a championship, but it won’t be in Phoenix. As for now, take the money and don’t complain.
Option: Accept
6. Josh McRoberts PF Charlotte Bobcats
It’s hard to believe he’s only 26. I feel like he’s floated around the league for a decade. I thought McRoberts played well for the Los Angeles Lakers last year in garbage time — whenever Dwight Howard threw a temper tantrum. He’s notching about eight points and five rebounds a game for Charlotte in 30 minutes a contest. He’s a stretch forward who has some athleticism. I’m not convinced he isn’t a starter on a bubble team. He’s shot 35 percent from three in his career. His option is for about $2.7 million, but I think he can get more than that if he finishes the season on a high note. A team like the Milwaukee Bucks could overpay him simply because they can.
Option: Decline
5. Andray Blatche PF Brooklyn Nets
Blatche should be proud of how he’s fought back from health problems early on in his NBA career — though a gunshot wound is hardly his fault. He’s averaging about 12 points a game for the Nets. He’s an average rebounder and defender, but his biggest attribute is his ability to score. I think he’s found stability in Brooklyn, and having Kevin Garnett there to mentor him is a positive. His option is worth about $1.4 million. It’s not a huge payday, but comfort could be the deciding factor.
Option: Accept
4. Nick Young SG Los Angeles Lakers
“Swaggy P” has outplayed my expectations. With Kobe Bryant hurt and Pau Gasol whining again, Young is probably going to get his fair share of looks when he gets that left knee straightened out. He’s a good fit for Mike D’Antoni’s offense because he loves to hoist up threes. An aging Bryant means more playing time for Young, and I think he could be a piece of a transitioning puzzle for the Lakers. The only problem is will a $1.2 million option keep him there? Honestly, the knee injury hurts his free agency value, so my best guess would be he stays put.
Option: Accept
3. Nate Robinson PG Denver Nuggets
The guy is a three-time slam dunk champion and playing him is, essentially, like hooking up jumper cables to your offense. Robinson can fly with the best of them and put the sphere through the cylinder. He’s a scorer. Every team needs a scorer. He went from being the main guy for the Chicago Bulls last year to getting 19 minutes a game with Denver. Robinson’s game, since his days as a Washington Husky, has been to prove people wrong — a tall order. I don’t think a $2 million option will keep him in Denver if he’s not going to get more minutes, and Ty Lawson probably won’t let that happen. I wouldn’t rule out a potential return to the New York Knicks, who need point guards.
Option: Decline
2. Zach Randolph PF Memphis Grizzlies
I feel like saying “$16.5 million player option” can stand alone. But for fun, I’ll back it up. He’s found a home in Memphis. The fans love him. He excels in the pick’n’roll game with Mike Conley Jr. He’s still productive with his 17 points and 10 rebounds a game. Plus, he’s 32. He might not be able to earn that kind of dough in the near future. Randolph needs to cash in hard next year.
Option: Accept
1. Rudy Gay SG Sacramento Kings
It’s hard to see any of the Kings’ players willingly staying in Sacramento. But here’s the good news for Gay, DeMarcus Cousins is locked up for a few years and will continue to grow into what I believe he’ll be, the best center in the NBA. Ben McLemore has very promising potential and could flourish in his second year, if given the right opportunities. Plus Derrick Williams has played phenomenally for the Kings since being traded from Minnesota. Honestly, the Kings might not be terrible for much longer. Oh yeah, and Gay’s option is worth about $20 million. He’s probably digging that purple and black jersey right about now.
Option: Accept
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