Report: Lou Williams To Opt-Out, Become Unrestricted Free Agent
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Sixers Lou Williams led the team in scoring in 2011-12, even though he wasn't a starter. If the Sixers want to keep him around, they're going to have to pay more for it.
According to Comcast Sportsnet's Dei Lynam, Williams' agent Leon Rose filed paperwork with the league on Saturday that will allow Williams to become an unrestricted free agent. Williams has an early termination option in his contract that he can exercise before the final year of his deal, which would have paid him $6,390,000. Williams will be eligible to sign with another team, or re-sign with the Sixers as of July 1st.
If Williams is able to fetch the approximately $8 million a year for four or five years as was reported by Bob Cooney, it will likely make it difficult for the Sixers to re-sign him. They've already got one bench player making that kind of money (Thaddeus Young's five-year $43 million deal). Williams has made it known he likes the area, and has a good relationship with Doug Collins, and is open to returning.
Williams averaged 14.9 points on 40.7% shooting in 2011-12, his seventh season in the NBA, all spent with the Sixers. He finished second in 6th man of the year voting this season.
Would you re-sign Lou Williams for a contract similar to Thaddeus Young's? Let us know in the comments.
