Kings Notes: Artest plans to opt out of contract after season

INDIANAPOLIS – Although it was assumed by most that Kings small forward Ron Artest would choose to become a free agent after this season, he said for the first time Saturday that he would likely exercise the early termination option in his contract as expected.

"You know, I guess everybody assumes (I'm going to opt out)," he said. "If you're going to bet your house on it, then bet that I'm going to opt out. But that time will come later. We'll see what happens."

While predicting what Artest will do next is a futile task in any forum, he continued to speak about potential free agency in ways few players – if any – do. Namely, he said the money he could land matters far less than the chance for a championship.

Artest is earning $7.4 million this season and would earn the same salary next season if he didn't opt out.

"Winning is more important," he said. "I'm not thinking about money in my situation. I'm just thinking about winning. I need a ring, or I'll be sick. Whatever I get, I'll get.

"I'll give my dogs and my kids the money, and I don't have to spend nothing. I don't need nothing. If I have my ring, I'll be OK. I can live in the streets hungry."

Artest was playing at Conseco Fieldhouse for just the second time since being traded to the Kings in January 2006. This visit was a slight improvement from his first, a March 17, 2006, meeting in which the Kings lost 98-93 and Artest shot just 6 of 22 from the field while being booed heavily throughout.

This time around, Artest had 15 points but shot just 5 of 14 overall and made six turnovers. Artest missed the Kings' Feb. 25, 2007, game in Indiana because of personal reasons.

Brad on the boards – The Kings have won five of their last six games in Indiana, which is reason enough alone for Brad Miller to be a happy man.

But in his latest visit to his home state, the Kings center contributed on the glass (16 rebounds) in spite of his off shooting night (2 for 7).

It was the fourth time this month Miller has grabbed 13 or more rebounds. After averaging just 6.4 rebounds last season, he is grabbing 8.9 rebounds per game this season.

Their favorite Person – Artest might have been booed by the announced crowd of 14,015, but Chuck Person received only handshakes, hoots and hollers.

While the Kings assistant coach oversees the defense, he spent the first six seasons of his 13-year playing career in Indiana, earning the nickname "Rifleman" for his offensive prowess.

Person later became a special assistant who worked individually with players while working closely in the front office with Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh and team president Larry Bird. Last summer, Person interviewed for the Indiana head-coaching job that went to Jim O'Brien.

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