While the Pacers wait for Roy Hibbert’s decision on the final year of his contract, they will also be dealing with the free agency of another one of their core players. According to a report from the Indianapolis Star‘s Candace Buckner, David West is opting out of the final year of his contract, which would pay him $12.6 million for next season.
Just in: Heard from my source that David West will not exercise his player option and will become a free agent. Story coming soon.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) June 24, 2015
At 34, West is probably not going to get another contract that pays him anywhere close to the per-year salary that he was making with the Pacers. But it’s easy to picture him wanting a little more long-term security on a smaller multi-year deal, be it in Indiana or elsewhere.
The Pacers could be looking at the end of an era with their current core if they lose West and Hibbert, who can also opt out. Last season was basically a lost year because of Paul George’s leg injury, but Larry Bird and Kevin Pritchard may decide they need to retool with younger players around a newly healthy George going forward.
