Dampier opts out of contract with Warriors

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Golden State Warriors center Erick Dampier has opted out of his contract as expected and becomes a free agent.

The 29-year-old is coming off the most productive season in his eight-year career. He averaged a double-double with 12.3 points and 12.0 rebounds while also blocking 1.85 shots in 32.5 minutes per game.

"We received the paperwork on Friday indicating that Erick has officially exercised the opt-out clause in his contract," Chris Mullin, the Warriors' executive vice president of basketball operations, said in a statement. "We intend to speak with him and his representatives when NBA rules permit us to do so, which as an unrestricted free agent is July 1."

Dampier ranked fourth in the league in rebounding and seventh with 42 double-doubles. He has hired a new agent, Dan Fegan, in Los Angeles.