“Most likely (Lopez)’ll be opting out, which is expected,” Nets general manager Billy King said Thursday night, also noting that Lopez’s camp had indicated to King that the opt-out was likely.
Lopez is slated to make around $16.7 million next season, but can sign a contract for a salary starting at $18.9 million next season if he chooses to opt out.
More: Brook Lopez’s Major Contract Decision Looms For Nets
It’s been widely expected that Brooklyn Nets center will opt out of the last year of his contract, regardless of if he wants to return to the Nets or not. The Nets can sign him for one more year (five total) than any other team, with higher raises after the first-year base salary. The Nets also own Lopez’s full Bird rights, allowing them to sign him to any contract up to the maximum salary.
Lopez has been working out at the Nets facility in the offseason.
Lopez averaged 17.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in 2014-15, putting up averages of 19.7-9.2 after the All-Star Break. He won back-to-back Player of the Week Awards in March and April.
