New Orleans Hornets forward David West confirmed Monday morning he'll opt out of the final year of his contract with the team and test NBA free agency.

In a phone conversation, West said he's not ruling out re-signing with the Hornets, but said "I want to win and win big."  West said his decision to walk away from $7.5 million in he last year of his contract was in his mind all along, even before tearing the ACL in his left knee on March 24.

He had reconstructive surgery on April 12 and has been rehabbing the knee twice daily at his off-season home Raleigh, N.C.

The Hornets could still offer West an extension before the current collective bargaining agreement expires at midnight on Thursday.