West Remains Undecided

New Orleans Hornets power forward David West told reporters today he is still undecided as to whether he will opt out of the final year of his contract. If West exercises his player option, he would have one year remaining on his contract worth $7.5 million. He must decide by June 30. Here is more from Jimmy Smith of the Times Picayune.

"I never really intended. . . . even before I got hurt, my whole intention was to wait and make sure the decision I made was a clear-headed one," explained West.
West did not indicate which way he was leaning. Conventional thinking, following the injury, was that West would likely choose to remain with the Hornets and play next season – if there is one considering the impending labor unrest – because his value on the open market would have been diminished by the injury.

I honestly have no idea which way David is leaning. For the record, I believe West when he says he hasn't made up his mind yet. Until the Hornets front office knows what his plans are, they won't know which direction they will go free agency.

If David opts in, and plays with one year left on his deal, he and teammate Chris Paul (can opt out after 2011-2012 season) could possibly both hit the free agent market at the same time. That's also something GM Dell Demps must consider this offseason, and during the next regular season.