Nick Young might really intend to hit the free-agency market this summer. The 31-year old veteran can opt out of the final year of his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $5.7 million, He hopes his respectable showing during the 2016-17 season – particularly from beyond the arc - will earn him probably the last significant contract of his career.
Young, who averaged 13.2 points on 43 percent FG shooting with 2.3 rebounds per game during the regular-season, didn’t provide a clear answer about his future at the season-ending press conference. However, the 10-year veteran hinted that he may prioritize winning over money in free-agency.
“At my age, I don’t know if I want to sit around & wait for another team to progress and grow,” Young said in the interview.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report also feels this year’s free-agency will be Young’s last shot at a multi-year deal. Apart from the fact that he’s coming off a strong statistical year after two forgetful seasons in Byron Scott’s doghouse, Young’s 40.4 percent three-point shooting could draw some interests from teams looking for reliable outside sniper.
Then again, the Lakers’ financial flexibility will be just fine regardless of Young’s decision. They can simply waive forward Tarik Black to recover the cap space Young’s contract will eat up in case he opts in.
Black Future
Speaking of Black, the 25-year old forward is feeling optimistic about his future with the Lakers following the exit meeting with Lakers president Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.
Black believes there’s a high chance the Lakers will pick up the second year of his deal worth $6.6 million based on the answers he got from the executives during the meeting.
“The fact they’re sitting there, having the conversation and listening to my questions and they seriously answered them and we talked about development, it just gives me confidence moving forward,“ said Black, who averaged 5.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game.
Clarkson’s flexibility
Jordan Clarkson, the 2014 second-round pick and former All-Rookie first team member, is also open to any adjustments the team wants him to make next season. Despite playing behind point guard D’Angelo Russell most of the season, he still put up 14.7 rebounds, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists in just under 30 minutes a game. Clarkson, who signed a 4-year, $50 million deal last summer, also played all 82 games for the Lakers this season.
