The conspiracy theory is either Knicks president Phil Jackson is trying to force Afflalo to opt out to open more cap space, or pressuring him to opt in by hurting his market value. However, a source insisted Jackson was not behind the decision to start Vujacic over Afflalo.
More on Arron Afflalo Free Agency
Arron Afflalo, New York Knicks: FA age: 30 | Salary: $8 million. Insider info: Struggled early in the season with a hamstring injury. Has provided New York with a third scoring option this year. Has a player option for next summer that will not be decided until mid-June.
Equipped with a player option and a strong showing as the Knicks secondary scorer this season, Arron Afflalo told the Daily News he’s looking for at least one more big contract. “Yeah, it’d be nice. It’d be nice,” the 30-year-old said. “But you do what you can. Whatever opportunities present themselves you never know. I’ve always looked at myself as a player who will have some longevity in the league based on the way that I play. I don’t rely too much on being overly athletic. I just try to be smart, take care of my body.” Afflalo’s option for next season is worth $8 million, but he can probably command a greater amount over multiple years in the open market. The Knicks do not own his Bird Rights and would have to dip into their cap space to re-sign Afflalo if he doesn’t opt in.
He signed a two-year, $16 million contract, but has an opt out after this season. Part of the reason Phil Jackson decided to join the Knicks on this road trip and eschew scouting the college tournaments — his team doesn’t have a first-round pick — was to witness the Knicks’ potential free agents. “I really don’t know what I’m doing to do,’’ Afflalo told The Post. “We’ll definitely have to address that when that times comes. Of course. I had a great first-year experience here. Obviously some ups and downs. One of those things I have to have a discussion with management and see how things go.”
Giving up his other 2015 signees Arron Afflalo and bench sparkplug Derrick Williams, though, is unlikely. Despite their recent slumps, the Knicks consider Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams as revelations, part of the core and prefer they don’t opt out. Robin Lopez and Lance Thomas are also part of the inner circle.
But Afflalo, who played 11/2 seasons with Anthony in Denver, thinks the Knicks can make it work. The veteran shooting guard also said Anthony was instrumental in him signing with the Knicks, and he's happy to be reunited with him. "I believe he had a lot to do with it," said Afflalo, who signed a two-year, $16-million deal. "I know they value his opinion here in the organization. He was a big part of me getting here. He's very happy that I'm here. He spoke highly of me when asked, and that's all you can ask for."
Trail Blazers shooting guard Arron Afflalo has decided to opt out of the final season of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent, according to NBA.com. Afflalo was scheduled to make $7.75 million next season, the last of a five-year deal worth a reported $36.7 million he signed heading into the 2011-12 season.
David Aldridge: Per sources, G Arron Afflalo expected to opt out of '15-'16 ($7.75M) to become UFA. Obv key for Portland 2 re-sign w/Wes Matthews rehabbing.
