NBA Free Agency 2018: 10 biggest player option decisions

7. Thaddeus Young

One of the more underrated front court players in the NBA, 29-year-old Thaddeus Young provides a defensive presence and offensive production. After Victor Oladipo, he contributed a major role in the Pacers’ over-performance this season. Young’s option to return to Indianapolis holds a value of $13,764,045.

Young compares closely to Derrick Favors in terms of the value they provide a team and the value free agency likely elicits. A high energy player in the 95th percentile in steals at his position, he provides grit and dependability as a role player. He knows his job and executes accordingly.

Not many teams can afford to offer Young a contract in the $14 to $15 million range. If Young and Favors elect to opt-out, it would be interesting to see if Young ends up with the Jazz. At the prime of his career, he is the type of glue player that elevates a team to the next level.

However, the Pacers hold the cap space. If he opts-out, his departure is far from imminent because it may lead to a new, slightly better deal for more years to stay exactly where his career has started to blossom.

Young is a perfect fit with the Pacers and keeps their solid core intact without having to dig deep into their pockets. A reliable defender who rarely finds himself in foul trouble, Young and Myles Turner complement each other’s weaknesses on the defensive end of the floor. Looking to build on recent momentum, Young would continue to be a featured piece for the Pacers.