Pacers forward Peja Stojakovic, acquired in the January trade for Ron Artest, said on Tuesday that he will opt out of his contract after the season, becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"I have the option to do it, so that's something I'm probably going to do," he said before the game at Chicago.

Stojakovic is scheduled to make $8.2 million next season, according to the Indianapolis Star. Pacers president Larry Bird said in January that the team wants to keep Stojakovic beyond this season.

"I've been after this kid for two years and I don't want him to be here for two weeks. . . . Hopefully he'll be in a Pacer uniform for a long time to come," Bird said during the news conference to introduce Stojakovic.

Stojakovic is averaging 19.0 points and making 39 percent of his 3-pointers in 31 games with the Pacers.

Stojakovic said he's interested in remaining with the Pacers.

"I said from the beginning that the Pacers are a great organization," he said. "(CEO) Donnie (Walsh) and Larry are great people. I believe this team has the potential."