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Jonas Jerebko says he's opting into final year of deal

Power forward to make $4.5 million next season.

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jonas Jerebko reportedly told a newspaper in his native Sweden that he has decided to opt into the final year of his contract and is set to make $4.5 million next season.

The Detroit Pistons forward implied that opting into the final year of his contract was no sure thing as he was tired of losing and tired of inconsistent minutes. He seemed to quickly land in the dog house of both Maurice Cheeks and Lawrence Frank before him.

"I feel like I can do much better than what I got the opportunity to show this past season," Jerebko told Borås Tidning, according to the Detroit Free Press. "I know I can do it better than I showed last season. I expect the next will be much better."

Last season Jerebko averaged 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11.6 minutes of action. It is no surprise to see Jerebko take the guaranteed money on the table as opposed to opting out and trying to secure a long-term deal as a free agent. Jerebko isn't a great player, but he has been productive in every season he's seen the floor, and that is more than you can say about a lot of the rotation mainstays that have been in Detroit during Jerebko's tenure.

Last year Jerebko enjoyed his best season of his career shooting from the perimeter, connecting on 41 percent of his 3-point attempts, though he shot just 74 threes on the season. Still, if Jerebko can reliably knock down more perimeter jumpers his pathway to more playing time seems all lined up, as Stan Van Gundy is known to enjoy bigs who can hit outside shots.

And after spending seasons in the doghouse, it sounds like Jerebko is excited to play for Van Gundy.

"He is an experienced coach who has been in the league a long time," Jerebko said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "I always talked to him when we met, and I know he likes my style."