Clippers' Cole Aldrich: Will opt out of contract

Aldrich will decline his $1.2 million player option for the 2016-17 season and test free agency this summer, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis:

Along with teammates Austin Rivers and Wesley Johnson, Aldrich will also forgo his contract option in pursuit of a larger deal this summer. Aldrich saw a slight dip in his minutes during his time with the Clippers in 2015-16 compared to the Knicks a season earlier, but that's simply a byproduct of playing on a better team and backing up all-NBA center DeAndre Jordan. Aldrich was at least effective when called upon to make spot starts, and finished the season with averages of 5.5 points (on 59.6% shooting from the field), 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Given Aldrich's sizable 6-foot-11 frame and strong per-minute numbers, look for a team needing size and depth in the frontcourt to take a chance on the 27-year-old.