Darren Collison to opt out of contract with Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers’ electric backup point guard Darren Collison will be opting out of the second year of his deal with the team.

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All things considered, it’s no surprise that he will be opting out to see if he can get a lucrative deal elsewhere or if he’ll sign a longer extension with his current team. Collison played in 80 regular season games this season, filling in for JJ Redick in the starting lineup in 35 of those contests. His stats remained similar to the rest of his career, although his assist numbers took a dip due to playing more at the shooting guard position.

The 26-year-old will be set to test the free agency waters this summer, but could end up signing a longer deal with the Clippers, according to CSNNW.com:

"Darren Collison of the Los Angeles Clippers will forgo the second year of his contract that would have paid him $1.9 million to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, a league source informed CSNNW.com.The source’s response to our inquiry was, “Darren is definitely opting out.”The Clippers are very much Collison’s preferred team of choice due to the team’s unique bond that only drew them closer in the midst of the Donald Sterling recordings. However, we’re told he’s keeping his options open."

Collison’s market value wasn’t particularly high last summer, which is why he only received a relatively cheap two-year deal with the Clippers. He proved to be a viable second option behind Chris Paul this season and had some decent performances starting next to CP3 as well.