Report: Jameer Nelson Likely to Opt-out of Current Contract

Jameer Nelson, longtime starting point guard for the Orlando Magic, is likely to decline his player option for the 2012-13 season and put his toe in the free agent waters, according to Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD.

The former All-Star is searching for financial security and as such will look to sign a long-term contract. 

If he decides to opt-in and return to the Magic with his current contract, the veteran point guard would be making about $8.6 million, a hefty price for a player on the wrong side of 30. Nonetheless, "Nelson doesn’t want to be dealt as an expiring contract and end up in a bad situation," says Kennedy.

With this bit of revealing information, it would be a logical guess that Nelson desires to play for a championship-contender.

The Chicago Bulls, who have just recently lost superstar Derrick Rose to a torn ACL,the Miami Heat, an organization still pursuing a starting-caliber facilitator, and San Antonio Spurs are all suitable destinations for the sub-6'0" guard.

However, Orlando will still try to sign Nelson if he forgoes his final year.

Nelson, who has spent his entire NBA tenure with the Orlando Magic, had a dismal year in the truncated schedule. The former Saint Joseph's star averaged only 11.9 points and 5.7 assists in nearly 30 minutes of action per night, a career-low in points since his rookie season.

Numerous reports indicate that many of Nelson's problems stem from Howard's persistent requests to play with an All-NBA point guard, like the Clippers' Chris Paul or the Nets' Deron Williams.

Additionally, the eighth-year professional sustained a plethora of injuries throughout the condensed year, including a calf contusion and knee sprain. Physical ailments aren't a new development in Nelson's career though. The facilitator tore his labrum the season the Magic made their magical run to the NBA Finals in 2009.

Obviously, nothing is imminent, but it would be quite strange to see Nelson sporting colors other than Blue and White come next October.