June 02--Clippers guard Austin Rivers has decided not to exercise his $3.3-million option for next season and will test free agency, according to Daniel Rohme of ASM Sports. The move was widely expected because of the massive spike in the NBA salary cap that will provide significant raises to players across the league next season.
Rivers, 23, averaged 8.9 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season. He also gutted out a 21-point, eight-assist, six-rebound performance during the final game of the Clippers' first-round playoff series against Portland after requiring 11 stitches for cuts above and below his eye.
Clippers forward Wesley Johnson also decided not to pick up his option for next season, according to his agent, Jeff Austin.
Johnson, who would have earned $1.227 million for the 2016-17 season, is very much interested in returning to the Clippers, Austin said.
Johnson, 28, appeared in 80 games last season with the Clippers, starting nine. A six-year veteran, Johnson averaged 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds. He shot 40.4% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range.
Clippers center Cole Aldrich also holds a $1.2-million option for next season that he is expected to decline. Aldrich must inform the Clippers of his decision by June 29.
ben.bolch@latimes.com
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