SAN ANTONIO -- Spurs swingman Richard Jefferson has opted out of the final year of his contract and will become a free agent.

Spurs spokesman Tom James said the nine-year veteran informed the team Thursday. Jefferson was due to make about $15 million next year after underachieving in his first season in San Antonio.

Jefferson averaged 12.3 points last season, his lowest since his rookie year. He struggled to adapt to coach Gregg Popovich's system, at one point losing his job in the starting lineup.

The Spurs traded for Jefferson and his hefty contract last summer in a deal with Milwaukee.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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I don't think this move makes any sense for Jefferson. He will never make anywhere near that amount of money again. I would have kept that final year and do everything I could to boost my value for my next contract.

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I was thinking the same thing.

He played like shit this year not sure what he's thinking

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You never miss your wealth, till your well went dry
Seem like only yesterday, you were here smiling
Now you gone away, but I know you in a better place
No traces of you, what can I do?
Alone and confused

You'd have to guess he knows he's got a contract locked up somewhere else. Not sure who would be so stupid, but that's the NBA

Considering there is a report the Hawks have offered Joe Johnson a max contract ($125M for 6 years) nothing would really surprise me.

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An incredibly stupid financial move by Jefferson. He must have extremely miserable after his past season with the Spurs where he never fit in. Spurs mangement have to be celebrating this evening.

I think playing on a team that expects you to show up and contribute was too much to for him. My guess is he goes to the Clippers or the Wolves.

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Any chance he lands in Boston? They've signed a couple of perennial under-achievers the last few seasons, Sheed and Starbury.

I could see San Antonio signing some one like Boozer now. They could def make a move for one of the second tier guys.

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They don't have the coin to do that without trading Parker to a team like the Knicks.

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Which is something Im sure they're looking at. Parker is damaged goods. Past his prime. Replaceable with George Hill. Not to mentioned he's way too jealous crazy of his overrated wife. Have u seen them in interviews? Crazy frenchman.

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Serious question... is he legit retarded? He won't make $15MM the rest of his career.

You may be onto something. This is the chick he literally left at the altar 2 years ago...

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So he is gay and being blackmailed. Makes sense.

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I'm sure he is still hittin it

I'd leave any woman at the alter, don't you see what Tiger went thru $750 FOR A PIECE OF ASS??!!!

_________________
You never miss your wealth, till your well went dry
Seem like only yesterday, you were here smiling
Now you gone away, but I know you in a better place
No traces of you, what can I do?
Alone and confused

You may be onto something. This is the chick he literally left at the altar 2 years ago...

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2198/k ... .jpg/quote]

She got the crazy eyes. I approve.

Im pretty sure he isnt still hitting it after she was calling him gay for standing her up like that.

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Richard Jefferson's decision to opt out of his contract that would have paid him $15 million next season surprised everyone in the NBA. The thought was that he could garner a long-term contract now that would make up for the loss in salary for the upcoming season. The problem is that so far he can't find any takers.

New Jersey and New York were thought to be two potential destinations for the small forward, but they're going in another direction.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, Jefferson's only options at this time are to look at the Clippers or re-sign with the Spurs for a starting salary next season in the $5.7 million to $6 million range.

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what a dope