Whenever the pending lockout allows, there will be some legit free agent names out there to be acquired. It’s not exactly the Summer of 2010 but there are a bunch of serviceable Centers available. We can now add Denver’s Nene to that list.
Nene will opt out of the final year of his contract worth nearly $12 million and, as a result, become an unrestricted free agent, a source familiar with the situation said Wednesday night.
It means Nene can sign with any team he wishes without the Nuggets getting a chance to match the offer when free agency begins after the expected NBA lockout, which likely will start Friday.
Nene had until today to make a final decision.
The Nuggets tried to sign him to a contract extension before today, the last day of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, but to no avail. Instead, Nene figures to have many suitors — including the Nuggets — as he explores his options.
Read more about Nene opting out at DenverPost.com.
