Report: West headed to free agency; Pacers say he remains on team

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Despite a report from the Indianapolis Star that David West will become a free agent instead of exercising his contract option for next season, the Indiana Pacers won’t confirm the report about the forward.

Larry Bird released a statement Wednesday afternoon on the report from the Star, saying West remains a member of the Pacers.

“I haven’t been in touch with David or his agent, Jeff Austin. So, until then he’s a member of our team,” said Bird, president of basketball operations for the Pacers.

West joined the Pacers in 2011 and started every game in that season. His impact was immediate, as he was the second best in rebounds for the team that year. Last season he averaged 14 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.