Keon Clark

[Charlie Brown]

Clark free to sign with whomever he chooses

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Associated Press


TORONTO -- The Toronto Raptors rescinded their qualifying offer to Keon Clark on Monday, making the lanky center an unrestricted free agent and almost surely ending his two-year stay with the team.


Clark's departure became probable after the NBA announced last week that the salary cap would fall to $40.2 million instead of the anticipated $42 million.


That left the Raptors little room to pay Clark more than the $2 million he earned last season under his rookie contract. The Raptors had the right to recall their qualifying offer to Clark before Tuesday and they cut him loose Monday.


The Raptors, who have a payroll of just under $52 million, are hoping to avoid paying the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax, which is expected to kick in at about $50 million.


Clark, who averaged 11.3 points and 7.4 rebounds last season, was expected to command much more this year. Starting power forwards in the league average $8.2 million a year.


As a restricted free agent, Clark could receive contract offers from other teams, but the Raptors retained the right to match. As an unrestricted free agent, Clark is free to sign with any team.