Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young declined to pick up his $1.2 million player option and will become a free agent as he said he would back in April, reports ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin.
NBA Free Agency
Young will consider returning to the Lakers, his hometown team, but wants a long-term deal. It's unlikely that he'll be Los Angeles' first priority. General manager Mitch Kupchak now only has three players under contract for next season, giving his squad the ability to chase after LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, who have both decided to opt out of contracts with their respective teams.
Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre are the only players locked into deals next season, while Kendall Marshall has a team option. Additionally, Kent Bazemore and Ryan Kelly are restricted free agents.
Young could be considered an option once the priorities are taken care of. He averaged a career-high 17.9 points in 2013-14 playing for the Lakers and their 27-win season.