Will Azubuike Stay a Warrior?

March 18, 2010WARRIORS PAGEWARRIORS VIDEO

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Had a chance to talk to Warriors forward Kelenna Azubuike a couple of days ago, and asked him about next year's player option worth 3.3 million.

Azubuike is finishing the second year of a three-year contract worth approximately 9 million, and can forgo the final year at 3.3 million if he wants. Back in 2008, Azubuike signed an offer sheet with the L.A. Clippers, but the Warriors matched.

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No surprise, and I figured as much, but Azubuike indicated hes virtually certain to exercise the option and return to the Warriors in 2010-11 rather than become an unrestricted free agent.

Thats the logical thing to do, said Azubuike, who entered 2009-10 with a career scoring average or 10.4 points per game in three seasons. Im leaning toward a certain waycoming back.

Azbuike also acknowledged that the season-ending injury he sustained back in mid-November (torn patellar tendon, left knee) definitely affected things, as far as becoming a free agent.

Under ideal circumstances, Azubuike could have had solid season for the Warriors, then become a free agent and commanded more than 3.3 per year. Azubuike played in just nine games this season for the Warriors, averaging 13.9 points per game.