Who is exactly sure that he's going to opt-out? Everywhere I turn people keep posting that he's certainly going to opt-out but I keep reading that Mike wants an extension.
Edit: Someone other than VF....because I've already asked her!
I heard that he was asking for an extension through most of last year, but obviously didn't get it. One might suspect that he could be a little annoyed with the Maloofs over that.
Then there's the fact of some pretty dreadful play, apparent lack of team chemistry (suspected to exist particularly between himself and Artest), rumors that he was on the trading block, a growing number of empty seats at the as yet unreplaced Arco, and so on. When he signed this contract, his job was a blast, now it's definitely not looking so fun from any perspective.
Hollinger, at ESPN:
"Bibby has an opt-out that he's likely, but not certain, to use..."
Martin McNeal at the Bee:
"Last summer, word leaked out that Kings guard Mike Bibby might take advantage of an opt-out clause in his contract after the current season. Under his contract, Bibby is scheduled to make $13.5 million in 2007-08 and $14.5 million in 2008-09, but presumably would like to make more money and/or explore any options that might arise."
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/92485.html
Stephen Smith, Philadelphia Inquirer:
"Mike Bibby is owed $28 million over the final two years of his contract, but rumors have swirled he could elect to opt-out."
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/16210804.htm
"Problem is, Bibby may opt out of his contract next season..."
http://nbaunplugged.wordpress.com/2006/12/09/which-team-is-most-likely-to-trade-for-iverson/
"It would seem to make sense to opt out."
http://www.sactownroyalty.com/story/2006/10/17/115158/82
"What about Mike Bibby? He could become a free agent after this season, or he could play out the last two years of his contract at an average of $14 million per. He hasn't said anything one way or the other yet, but financially, it makes sense for him to opt out. (He wouldn't make as much in 08 and 09, but would make substantially more in '10, '11, and '12.)"
http://www.blogabull.com/story/2006/10/26/122135/17
I'm just thinking that, if it makes sense financially for him to opt out, if team chemistry is bad and the team is losing, if the Maloofs are seeming unappreciative, Arco has lost its zip, and he doesn't want to worry about moving to Anaheim, why should he stay?