WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ORLEANS - Hornets leading scorer David West says he will test free agency.

The two-time All-Star was drafted by New Orleans in 2003. He started 70 games last season, averaging 18.9 points to go with 7.6 rebounds before tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament during a game on March 24.

West has turned down an option to extend his contract for one more season at $7.5 million.

West had surgery April 12 and his rehabilitation is expected to take six to eight months.

Hornets general manager Dell Demps has said he would still try to re-sign West if he opted out.