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Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reports that the Portland Trail Blazers will not pick up their team option on reserve forward Luke Babbitt for the 2013-14 season. The decision would allow Babbitt to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Blazers face a Wednesday deadline to make a decision on Babbitt, second-year guard Nolan Smith and third-year guard Elliot Williams. The option would pay Babbitt, the No. 16 pick in the 2010 Draft, $2.9 million. Smith's option would pay him $1.4 million; Williams' option would pay him $2.4 million. All salaries via StorytellersContracts.com.
Babbitt, 23, averaged 5.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game last season. He averaged 5.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 12.3 minutes over six preseason appearances.
None of the three players has made a strong case during the preseason for Portland to pick up his option.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter