The NBA Playoffs is currently under way, but rumors about the fate of the free agents after the 2016–2017 season started to come out.
According to a report from ESPN, Denver Nuggets shooting guard Will Barton will seemingly refuse to sign for a contract extension during the offseason so he can test the unrestricted free agency for 2018.
The report cited several sources who claim the Nuggets already expected Barton's decision since he would want to take full advantage of his earning potential while he is still in his prime.
Barton is currently facing the last year of his three-year contract worth $11 million. The report claims that his $3.5 million annual salary could be considered very low given his current stats, averaging 14.4 points and 13.7 points during his first two seasons with the team. He also has a 37 percent 3-point shooting range during the current season.
But other reports claim that if Barton agrees to extend his contract with the Nuggets, he would earn as much as $30 million over a four-year period.
Meanwhile, other reports claim that Chicago Bulls' shooting guard Dwyane Wade would want to opt out of his two-year contract with the team this summer to become a free agent.
During his exit interview with ESPN, the 35-year-old native of Chicago, Illinois reveals that he has yet to decide if he wants to avail of his player option for $23.8 million next season.
"There's so many different variables that come into play, especially for me at this point in my career," Wade states during the interview. "Like I said, I have a great luxury. I don't need to ring-chase, but I can. It's a great luxury to have if I want to do."
If Wade will decide to be a free agent this summer, he will join the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick who will all be free agents beginning July 1.
