NBA: Gerald Wallace opts out of Nets contract

Forward Gerald Wallace opted out of his Brooklyn Nets contract, turning down $9.5 million to become a free agent this summer, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer confirmed via Twitter.

Not a surprise, but Gerald Wallace confirms he's opting out of last season to hit free-agency. My guess: He re-signs with Nets.

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) June 13, 2012

Wallace was moved prior to the trade deadline by the Portland Trail Blazers, swapping him to the then-New Jersey Nets in exchange for forward Shawne Williams, center Mehmet Okur, and a 2012 top-3 protected first round pick. The Trail Blazers later picked up the draft pick when the Nets landed the sixth spot in the recent NBA Draft Lottery. The former draft selection of the Sacramento Kings played 16 games in New Jersey averaging 15.2 points on 41.6 percent shooting, along with 6.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks. The versatile Wallace could be a great pick-up for a contender looking for a hard-nosed defender who can also make plays. Opting out of his contract also does not prevent him from returning to Brooklyn, though if he does come back, it will likely be for more money and/or a lengthier deal. - AMD, GMA News