Portland Trail Blazers Guard Steve Blake Will Exercise Contract Option

Jabari Young of CSNNW is reporting that Steve Blake intends to exercise his contract option for next season, his 13th tour of duty in the NBA.

At age 34 - 35 by week's end - Blake's crossover days are approaching the finish line. In the middle of his 12th season, he admitted to thinking about the retirement, understanding the window for winning a championship is closing. It makes the wins and losses, especially as the playoffs approach, more important.

"I've thought about it for sure," said Blake of retirement. " ... I know I'm in the back stretch, that's why it's so important for us to be so good."

Blake signed a two-year deal with Portland, with a player option worth roughly $2.1 million next season. As of now, Blake said he plans to exercise that option and hoping to play another "year or two" after that.

"I want a championship really bad," Blake said, "and I'm hoping we can get to that level. I only have a few years left to try and get it."

Blake is averaging 4.6 points and 3.7 assists on 37% shooting with a 34% clip from the three-point arc. He sports career numbers of 6.8 points, 4.0 assists, 40% from the field, and 38.5% from distance.

The second year of his contract will pay him roughly $2.1 million.