Skip to content

Report: Afflalo set to opt for free agency

Jaime Valdez / USA TODAY Sports

After a disappointing season split between Denver and Portland, Arron Afflalo will reportedly opt for free agency this summer.

Afflalo, whose already down-year was derailed by a late season shoulder injury, has a $7.5 million player option for 2015-16. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the veteran shooting guard will forego that option.

The 29-year-old saw his numbers tail off across the board in 2014-15 after a strong season last year with the Orlando Magic.

Afflalo, who was traded to the Nuggets last summer before eventually being shipped to the Trail Blazers at the trade deadline, averaged 13.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists on a 42-35-84 shooting split in over 32 minutes per game with Denver and Portland.

Even at his 2014-15 levels, however, Afflalo remains a capable two-way guard who can both spread the floor (career 38 percent 3-point shooter) and defend his position on most nights.

With the NBA's salary cap set to spike thanks to the infusion of new television money in 2016, the obvious play for most players would be to set themselves up for free agency next summer or in 2017, something Afflalo can do by simply opting into his player option or even signing a short, two-year deal.

Whether that's his intention or he's seeking a long-term deal remains to be seen.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox