C.J. Watson will turn down his 2013/14 option and become a free agent this summer, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld. Kennedy reports (via Twitter) that Watson's camp has already informed the Nets of his decision.
Watson, 29, signed a two-year minimum-salary contract with the Nets last summer, with a player option for the second season. After earning $992,680 in 2012/13, Watson would have been in line for a $1,106,942 salary next year, but will instead look to do better on the open market. He's coming off a season in which he averaged 6.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, and a 13.9 PER in 80 games (19.0 MPG) for Brooklyn.
Appearing on WFAN this morning, GM Billy King said and new head coach Jason Kidd were expecting Watson to opt out of his deal, and that the Nets would likely be on the lookout for a new backup point guard this offseason.