30-year old small forward Richard Jefferson has shockingly opted out of the last year of his contract with the Spurs which would have paid him $15 million bucks. The Spurs’ front office is likely doing cartwheels right now as Jefferson didn’t pan out for them last season. Jefferson played in 81 games (70 starts) last season for the Spurs and he averaged 31.1 minutes, 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He has now played in 652 games (569 starts) in his nine years in the NBA and he is averaging 35.2 minutes, 17.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Jefferson is the third best small forward available in free agency and I don’t think he enjoyed being the 4th option on offense.

UPDATE: (7/21/2010) - The Spurs have re-signed Richard Jefferson to a multi-year deal. The terms have not been released as of yet. Maybe he’ll be better this time around for the Spurs.