National Basketball Association

Gray opts out of final season with Hornets

Published Jun. 27, 2011 4:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

Hornets reserve center Aaron Gray is opting out of the final season of his contract.

Gray had until Thursday to decide whether to exercise an option for one more season with New Orleans at $1.1 million.

Instead, he joined David West as the second Hornets player to opt for free agency on Monday. However, Gray's agent, Andy Miller, says the 7-foot, 270-pound center remains open to returning to New Orleans.

The 26-year-old Gray averaged 3.1 points in 13 minutes per game during the regular season. His size helped the Hornets defend some of the NBA's bigger and more physical centers.

Gray's best game of the season came in the Hornets' victorious playoff opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, when he scored 12 points.