A number of NBA contracts include player options in the final year. Those option years give the player the opportunity to either opt into the final year of his deal, finishing out his contract, or to decline the option and hit the free agent market a year early.
Several factors play a part in a player’s option decision. The value of the option salary is obviously crucial, as is the player’s performance in the season leading up to his decision. In 2020, the state of the NBA’s salary cap also figures to be a major consideration for players weighing their decisions.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the cap won’t increase in 2020/21 from its current level (approximately $109MM), which means fewer teams will have the ability to spend in free agency. As a result, many players who hold options for ’20/21 will likely prefer to take the guaranteed money on their current contracts rather than rolling the dice on the open market.
This year’s player options are listed below. This list – which can be found anytime under the “Hoops Rumors Features” menu on the right sidebar on our desktop site or on the “Features” page in our mobile menu – will be updated throughout the fall to note the latest decisions.
Point Guards
- Mike Conley, Jazz ($34,502,132): Opted in
- Note: Conley technically has an early termination option, which essentially functions like a player option.
- Note: Conley technically has an early termination option, which essentially functions like a player option.
- Rajon Rondo, Lakers ($2,692,991): Opted out
Shooting Guards
- Nicolas Batum, Hornets ($27,130,434): Opted in
- Avery Bradley, Lakers ($5,005,350): Opted out
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Lakers ($8,543,746): Opted out
- Evan Fournier, Magic ($17,150,000): Opted in
- Austin Rivers, Rockets ($2,436,046): Opted out
- Tony Snell, Pistons ($12,178,571): Opted in
Small Forwards
DeMar DeRozan, Spurs ($27,739,975): Opted in- James Ennis, Magic ($2,130,023): Opted out
- Tim Hardaway Jr., Mavericks ($18,975,000): Opted in
- Gordon Hayward, Celtics ($34,187,085): Opted out
- Mario Hezonja, Trail Blazers ($1,977,011): Opted in
- Rodney Hood, Trail Blazers ($6,003,900): Opted out
- Stanley Johnson, Raptors ($3,804,150): Opted in
- Wesley Matthews, Bucks ($2,692,991): Opted out
- Otto Porter Jr., Bulls ($28,489,239): Opted in
Power Forwards
- Anthony Davis, Lakers ($28,751,774): Opted out
- Jerami Grant, Nuggets ($9,346,153): Opted out
- JaMychal Green, Clippers ($5,005,350): Opted out
- James Johnson, Timberwolves ($16,047,100): Opted in
- Mike Muscala, Thunder ($2,283,034): Opted in
- Jabari Parker, Kings ($6,500,000): Opted in
Centers
- Willie Cauley-Stein, Mavericks ($2,286,357): Opted out
- Andre Drummond, Cavaliers ($28,751,774): Opted in
- Enes Kanter, Celtics ($5,005,350): Opted in
- Robin Lopez, Bucks ($5,005,350): Opted out
- JaVale McGee, Lakers ($4,200,000): Opted in
- Kelly Olynyk, Heat ($13,598,243): Opted in
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Aside form Anthony Davis, I would be very surprised to see any of these player options declined. Even Davis might have to consider accepting with the cap situation in limbo right now.
Agreed. The only players I could possibly see considering opting out are Olynyk and Grant if they believe securing a long-term pact at a reduced annual value would be more worthwhile than taking the cash upfront
There is no way that Davis opts in. The long-term security of a new deal is worth significantly more than whatever the 1-year difference might be. He is an obvious max no matter what the figure is.
It ain’t like the cap situation will be better the following off-season.
What kind of mighty thievery is this?! Otto Porter Jr. earns $28,5 million, nad Nicolas Batum earns $27,1 million!
100 percent locks to pick up their options are Batum. Hayward, Drummond, James Johnson, Conley and Hardaway.
Batum and Johnson are borderline hilarious.
You mean to tell me Batum doesn’t deserve a comparable salary to Embiid and Jokic?
I did not see a player on the list who a GM might want to steal away with a call to an agent.
If the Lakers lose, Avery Bradley may get a build-up as he whose absence caused the loss. Fingers will be pointed at him and he would be motivated to come back hard. Players who opted out are probably not happy with that decision.
Then again, BasRef does not show he has an option.
I can’t see too many of these guys opting out. Those figures listed above are guaranteed. That money is coming. You hit that market and, man, who knows? Davis is the only guy who will 100% opt out and get paid in LA. If anyone else does, I’d be shocked. They’d have to have a strong inkling some team is interested.
I think Grant could probably get a 4/44 if he wanted to test the market, perhaps even a little more-
Not everyone can wait around till 22 for the bigger contracts. Might be smart for some of these under the radar guys (like grant) to get that 1 big contract this offseason
** I think Bradley leaves as it might just be better with a fresh start….He wont lose any money in the end just change zip codes
How does a career 11 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.5 ast, 48% FG, 40% 3PT FG, 80% FT. A good 3PT shooter.
Make 28 million a yr. What kind of genius gave this money up to Otto Porter.
The same front office that paid John Wall $40 million/season
Most of the bad contracts over the last five years were offer sheets the Nets made to Restricted Free Agents.
Otto Porter (4/106), Allan Crabbe (4/75), Tyler Johnson (4/50).
In the case of Otto Porter, the Kings made him an identical offer. As a 23-year-old, w/ potential to continue improving, he was certainly in demand.
The main issue w/ his contract is he’s only played 29 games w/ the Bulls since they acquired him. He’s a top 15 SF, which puts him in Harrison Barnes territory rather than Tony Snell at 13M
Opt out candidates:
PG: Rajon Rondo, Austin Rivers
SG: Avery Bradley, Wesley Matthews
SF: James Ennis, Jerami Grant
PF: Mario Hezonja
C: Willie Cauley-Stein
Jerami Grant has already indicated he’s leaning towards opting out.
Every other listed player is underpaid and could negotiate a marginally higher rate if they so choose.
Thought Stanley Johnson was opting in?
Typo, fixed now, thanks.