NBA Rumors: Darren Collison could opt out of contract

When Darren Collison signed with the Los Angeles Clippers this past offseason, he knew playing time would be limited. But for the chance to backup Chris Paul on a Los Angeles Clippers team that had title thoughts? It was worth the downgrade in floor time.

Little did Collison or anybody else know that Paul would miss an extended period of the season and the backup point guard would now be flushed into a starting role.

Not only was Collison given the starting nod with Paul out, but he’s flourished in it, which has Jeff Caplan wondering if Collison will opt-out of his contract at season end.

Collison’s deal was for two years, but includes a player opt-out clause after the first season. Given his successful play, it would see difficult to think Collison would accept a small increase next year when he could likely secure a much bigger deal.

"Collison signed a two-year deal with L.A and has been a steady reserve. He is earning $1.9 million this season and holds a player option for next season with a slight raise. If he continues to play well as the Clippers’ starter and then again when he returns to a reserve role, it will be interesting to see if Collison chooses to opt out, and if so, if another team attempts to make the third time the charm for the 5-foot-11 Collison as a starter."