When 34-year-old Indiana Pacers forward David West opted out of a contract that was set to pay him $12.6 million next season, most people were thrown for a loop. In decline and past his prime, there was no way West would receive anywhere near that type of money on the open market.
While we have no idea if there were monetary reasons for West’s shocking decision, Bleacher Report’s Jared Zwerling is indicating that the two-time All-Star knew before opting out that he would likely end up signing with the New York Knicks when free agency opens up next week.
League source: David West is "very likely" to sign with the Knicks come FA. "He knew that before he chose not to opt in" with the Pacers.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) June 25, 2015
On the surface, this makes no sense. Opt out of a near $13 million deal with a playoff contender to potentially join one of the worst teams in the Association. If West had opted out to join a championship contender, it would have made more sense.
In any event, the one thing that might make sense in this strange situation is the fact that West is a native of Teaneck, New Jersey. The idea of coming home to play out the remainder of his career has to be the draw here.
West, who will turn 35 before the start of the 2015-16 season, averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 66 games (all starts) last season.
Photo: USA Today Sports