Jameer Nelson will opt-out of the final year of his deal with the Orlando Magic but the diminutive point guard says he has every intention of remaining with the franchise. Nelson informed the Magic that he would not exercise his player option for the 2012-13 season, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer, he insists he wants to remain with Orlando on a multi-year deal but at the same time understands that may not be possible.

"You play for a team for eight years and not a lot of guys can say that, so it's difficult," Nelson told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday night. "I have a comfort level there; obviously, that plays a part as well. I'm not saying I won't come back or we won't reach a deal. At this point, I have to make another decision after the decision I just made.

"I would love to re-sign with Orlando. I would love to. I have to make the best decision — what's best for myself and my family. But I want to continue to be a Magic player and be affiliated with the organization and the DeVos family and everything they're about."

Nelson will officially be an free agent as of Sunday (US time) when the free agency period opens.