Lou Williams Opts Out, Becomes Free Agent

Multiple outlets, the Philadelphia Inquirer among them, have reported that Lou Williams, the Sixth Man of the Year candidate who led the Philadelphia 76ers in scoring and was their frequent go-to scorer late in games, has opted out of the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent. Williams' agent, Leon Rose, has reportedly already filed the paperwork.

SB Nation's Sixers blog, Liberty Ballers, was on this story early and had this to say about the streaky-shooting Williams:

Williams had the highest PER (20.2) and Win Shares per 48 minutes (.174) of his career, both of which were tops among the Sixers. He was also 3rd on the team in offensive rating (110), 4th in true shooting percentage (.525), 2nd in Assist % (22.4), and had the 3rd lowest turnover % among regulars (7.2%), which was the best of his career, and a continued improvement over when he came into the league.

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The opt-out doesn't necessarily close the door on Williams' future with the club, although it would most definitely be at a more expense rate for next year if he returns. The Sixers signed reserve Thaddeus Young to a 5 year, $43 million deal last summer.

Williams can fill it up, can fill it up from distance and can fill it up when the game is on the line. The Sixers desperately need him back, or someone who can at least match his production, so don't be shocked if he pulls in a contract of some substance.

For more on Williams and the Sixers in free agency, check out Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly.