Jennifer Delgado

(via www.orlandosentinel.com) Jameer Nelson hopes he will remain with the Orlando Magic for years to come, but on Friday he made a decision that will cut his ties to the franchise at least temporarily.

The move ensured he will become an unrestricted free agent when the NBA’s free agency period begins on Sunday. Nelson wants to sign a multiyear deal to return to the Magic, but he has no guarantee that will occur.

“You play for a team for eight years and not a lot of guys can say that, so it’s difficult,” Nelson told the Orlando Sentinel on Friday night. “I have a comfort level there; obviously, that plays a part as well. I’m not saying I won’t come back or we won’t reach a deal. At this point, I have to make another decision after the decision I just made.

“I would love to re-sign with Orlando. I would love to. I have to make the best decision — what’s best for myself and my family. But I want to continue to be a Magic player and be affiliated with the organization and the DeVos family and everything they’re about.”