West likely done in New Orleans

With forward David West deciding to forego the final year of his contract and become a free agent, he probably has played his final game for the New Orleans Hornets.

West will be one of the premier free agents on the market this offseason, after opting out of the $7.5 million owed him in the final year of his contract. West’s agent, Lance Young, informed New Orleans GM Dell Demps of the decision Monday morning.

Indiana and New Jersey are two teams with significant salary-cap space and a strong interest in signing West, league sources said. West grew up in New Jersey, living in Northern New Jersey until the eighth grade, and has always been fond of the metropolitan New York area. Nevertheless, the Pacers have a better core now and have a gaping hole for a power forward.

West hasn’t ruled out the Hornets, who offered him a three-year, $26 million-plus extension this season.

“David wants to win, whether it’s in New Orleans or someplace else,” Young told Yahoo! Sports on Monday morning. “He wants a fair shot to look and see what else is out there. He loved the Hornets, but it’s about finding the perfect place to win.”