LOS ANGELES — Lakers guard Marcus Smart will test the open market after declining his $5.39 million player option, league sources told Chris Haynes. The 30-year-old started 54 regular-season games for Los Angeles, reasserting himself as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders and taking on a larger postseason role when injuries struck the roster. Houston is widely viewed as a leading suitor, a move that would reunite Smart with former Celtics coach Ime Udoka.
Center Deandre Ayton took the opposite route, exercising his $8.1 million player option to remain with the Lakers for at least one more season. Even so, the expiring contract could become a trade asset if Los Angeles seeks roster changes later this summer.
Clippers
The Clippers have extended a qualifying offer to Bennedict Mathurin, making the 22-year-old wing a restricted free agent, The Athletic’s Law Murray reported. Qualifying offers were also issued to Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders after the team declined each player’s option, setting the stage for negotiations on new multiyear deals. The moves signal the organization’s intent to keep its young core while questions about Kawhi Leonard’s future continue to loom.
Nets
In Brooklyn, the Nets declined team options on Day’Ron Sharpe and Josh Minott with plans to re-sign both to fresh contracts. Sharpe is expected to ink a two-year, $20 million agreement, while Minott is on track for a two-year, $9 million deal. The club also picked up its option on guard Malachi Smith after his strong finish to last season.
Even after the flurry of moves, Brooklyn is projected to enter free agency with one of the league’s more flexible salary-cap situations.
Source: Hoops Wire
