Al Jefferson: Will Opt Into Final Year Of Contract With Hornets

Jefferson (knee) will opt into the final year of his contract with the Hornets, ESPN reports. He will remain with the team through the 2015-16 season and then be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2016.

Analysis:

Jefferson sat out the Hornets' last seven games of the season due to soreness in his right knee. He had fluid drained from the knee at least twice down the stretch in an effort to continue playing and trying to make the playoffs, which the team failed to do. Jefferson plans to lose 25 pounds this offseason in an effort to reduce the weight put on the rest of his body and help keep him healthy next season. Though there was no mention of it in the story, the fact that Jefferson is taking $13.5 million over one year instead of seeking out a long-term deal for more total money is somewhat suspect, and it may lead to speculation regarding the health of Jefferson's right knee. If he were 100 percent healthy going into free agency, it would seem prudent to secure more guaranteed money, so the health of Jefferson's knee should be followed closely going into next season.