David West Opts Out, Nets In Pursuit, But Humphries Still Priority

When David West tore his ACL in late March, it was thought that he might be forced to exercise his player option for next season and wait to become a free agent. But now, his agent tells Adrian Wojnarowski that doctors have assured West that his surgically repaired knee should be 100 percent for a return on November 1.

So the power forward, who turns 31 in August, has decided to decline the player option and become a free agent once a new collective bargaining agreement is completed, unless he and the Hornets agree on a contract extension by Thursday. Woj also tweets that the Nets and Pacers are two teams who will pursue West in free agency. West says he wants "to win and win big." Still, Al Iannazzone tweets that the Nets see Kris Humphries as their priority.

• West says he's opting out of final year of his contract - Jimmy Smith - New Orleans Times-Picayune
• West likely done in New Orleans - Adrian Wojnarowski - Yahoo! Sports
  
• New Orleans Hornets' David West heading for free agency - Marc Stein - ESPN
• David West eyes the prize, opts out of his contract - Kelly Dwyer - Ball Don't Lie