The Hornets' David West, after opting not to sign an extension to stay in New Orleans, was considered one of the top free agents on the market this summer, but it looks like his knee injury will affect that status.

For many front-office executives, West’s injury is too much to ignore. He has averaged 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds over his career, and has made two All-Star teams. But he is 31-years-old, and the prospects of West coming back as an All-Star level player are obviously uncertain.

“There was a time where you kind of had faith in the ability of every guy to come back from injuries,” one Eastern Conference general manager said. “But I think there are enough examples of guys who have surgeries and aren’t the same. That has to make you think twice.”

The GM cited two prominent examples—Magic guard Gilbert Arenas and Sixers forward Elton Brand.

Because it will take West at least six months to rehab his knee, it is now expected that West will not opt out of his contract with the Hornets which will pay him $7.5 million next season.