In a surprise move, Richard Jefferson has informed the Spurs that he intends to opt out of the final season of his contract and will become a free agent at midnight eastern time.
Jefferson was due to make $15 million next year. Opting out gives him the freedom to negotiate a long-term deal, in advance of a new collective bargaining agreement next season.
The move will move the Spurs below the luxury tax line, but not the projected salary cap. It does not necessarily mean the Jefferson era in San Antonio is over.
Jefferson, who arrived in a trade with Milwaukee last offseason, never quite reached expectations in San Antonio. He averaged 12.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in his first — and perhaps, only — season with the Spurs.