Rivers talks not having option picked up

With the New Orleans Pelicans declining to pick up the fourth year option on his contract, G Austin Rivers is slated to become a free agent at seasons' end.  Rivers recently shared his thoughts on the matter.

"Everything happens for a reason," Rivers said. "At the end of the day, all that does is put a chip on my shoulder. I look at it as a challenge for me just to prove them wrong and to get better each day and, at the end of the year, to be the last one laughing about this. That's my focus.

"If anything, this is actually a good situation for me. This is a good year for me to break out, have a break-out season so I can be a free agent. And I can be a lot more comfortable this summer. I'm not mad at it at all to be honest. It actually just makes me more anxious and excited to go out there and have fun. This is my option year now. Now I am excited."