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NBA Free Agency Rumors: Nick Young declines 2017-18 option with the Lakers

By Brad Berreman

March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young (0) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the option to do so, Nick “Swaggy P” Young will leave the Lakes and ply is trade elsewhere next season.

The Los Angeles Lakers are the source of nearly constant rumors and speculation right now, as major players in Thursday night’s draft and possibly trying to swing a trade for Paul George. The summer of 2018 also could be a big one for the Lakers, with the possibility LeBron James comes west.

Nick Young probably saw no great future playing for the Lakers, with one option year left on his contract at 32 years old. So it’s not too surprising he will decline his option for 2017-18 and become a free agent on July 1.

After a 2015-16 season that saw him fail to average double figures in points per game for the first time since the 2009-2010 season, Young had a bit of a bounce-back campaign this past season. Over 60 games for the Lakers (all starts), “Swaggy P” averaged 13.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and one assist per game while making 40.4 percent of his 3-pointers. His 2.8 three-pointers made per game was tied for 10th in the league, ahead of noted beyond the arc marksman J.J. Redick (2.6 per game) and Kyle Korver (2.4 per game).

Young’s option for next season with the Lakers would have paid him just over $5.6 million. He can probably get more than that in free agency, in a weak shooting guard market, on a multi-year deal with greater security to boot.

A return to the Lakers is possible for Young, and he had previously hinted he wanted to do so. But they surely won’t do more than a one-year deal with an option for a second year, with an eye on pursuing George, James or some other big names next summer.

Next: 2017 NBA Free Agency: Top 20 players available

Young may want significantly more than the $5.6 million he would have made had he exercised his option, with some assurances beyond a one-year deal. That seems sure to be a non-starter for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.

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