Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has decided to stay with the team for next season by exercising his $13 million player option on the final year of his current contract. This is via NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.

This is a pretty smart move for MKG, who is taking a more conservative approach this summer. Last season — one that was once again marred by injuries — was arguably the worst he has had in his entire seven-year career, notwithstanding the 2015-16 season wherein he was only able to suit up for a total seven games for the entire season.

Kidd-Gilchrist put up 6.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks in a career-low 18.4 minutes per contest last season, and in his mind, he probably thought that it would not be a good idea to take his chances in free agency this summer following a rather unimpressive campaign.

By opting into his player option in the upcoming season, the 25-year-old gives himself another shot at proving his worth. He will be on a contract year, which means that he will need to do everything in his power to up his stock in the hopes of securing a considerable deal next summer once he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

With Kemba Walker expected to part ways with the Hornets this offseason, the points will need to come from somewhere, and maybe Kidd-Gilchrist is hoping that this would give him the opportunity to have a more significant role for the squad next year.