Jameer Nelson gets two more weeks to decide his future with the Orlando Magic – NBA News
The Orlando Magic and Jameer Nelson have mutually agreed to extend the deadline for the point guard to exercise his option for the 2012-2013 season.
Nelson was to decide about his future by today, June 15th. But he now has till June 29th to either opt in or out of his 1 year option with the Magic.
Nelson and his agent Steve Mountain asked for the extension in the deadline in the pretext that the Magic had not hired a new General Manager and Nelson wanted to talk with the new GM about his future in the team and his role in
the GM’s eyes, before making a decision.
The Magic decided to part ways with former GM Otis Smith after they were eliminated from the first round of this year’s playoffs.
“The extension gives Jameer the opportunity to evaluate the decisions that Orlando's about to make, which helps in clarifying what Jameer's role would be and whether or not the new management team has a role for him," said Mountain.
If Nelson does not exercise his option by June 29th, he will become a free agent on July 1st and can talk to teams regarding a playing contract. If he decides to opt for his one year option with the Magic,
he will remain with the team for the next season; earn $7.9 million during the period, and then hit free agency in the summer of 2013.
Nelson has been with the Magic for his entire 8 year career in the NBA, and has said that he would like to retire in Orlando. However, he also needs to think about the financial implications over the years. If Nelson hits free
agency this season, he could get a multiyear deal that would see him taking a salary cut but have his future secure over the next couple of years.
Nelson is coming off a good season with the Magic, averaging 11.9 points, 5.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. His stats further improved when Dwight Howard missed games with a back injury. Nelson went into the playoffs leading
a Magic team without Howard and lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round.
However, he averaged 15.6 points, 6.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds in the 5 games against the Pacers, improving from his regular season stats.
Nelson will have the option of playing for the Magic even if he decides to opt out of his option and hit free agency. The Magic can offer Nelson a new contract as a free agent after July 1 if they want to retain him. In order to
give Nelson the two week extension, changes had to be made in his contract which then had to be approved by the NBA. The league gave its nod of approval on Thursday and Nelson got the extension.
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