Roy Hibbert will see a reduced role if he opts into his contract for next season, Candace Buckner of the Indy Star reports.

Hibbert will see a reduced role if he opts into his contract for next season, Candace Buckner of the Indy Star reports.

Analysis:

Hibbert has a lucrative, $15.5 million player option for next season, a number he's unlikely to approach on a per-year basis if he were to hit the open market. Pacers' president Larry Bird sounded frustrated with Hibbert's declining production, particularly his pedestrian rebounding for his size. While Indiana would certainly find a role for Hibbert next season, it seems like the team is prepared to move forth without him.