Jameer Nelson opts out, becomes unrestricted free agent

According to the Los Angeles Times’ Eric Pincus, Jameer Nelson has officially opted out of his contract with the Nuggets and is now an unrestricted free agent.

The 33-year-old Nelson had a $2.85 million player option for next season, but opted to test the market instead.

The hiring of Mike Malone instead of former interim head coach Melvin Hunt, who Nelson was reportedly close with, may have contributed to his decision.

Nelson had an eventful 2014-15 season which started in Dallas and eventually ended in Denver where he averaged 9.6 points and 3.7 assists in just over 20 minutes a game with the Nuggets.

After Brian Shaw was fired in early March, Nelson’s role grew and he flourished in Hunt’s up-tempo system.

With Nelson’s departure, Lawson and Eric Green remain as Denver’s only two point guards on the books for next season. If that situation stays as is, Denver could look to add another primary ball-handler through the draft.

Over the last few weeks the Nuggets worked out Jerian Grant and Murray State point guard Cameron Payne, two possible mid-first round selections. Denver will also host former Duke point guard Tyus Jones Monday afternoon.