All you free agency buffs out there know that the big upcoming date is July 1st.  That’s when the free agency period starts and teams can start bidding for players’ services, including Gilbert’s.  Of course, that’s still contingent on Gilbert actually opting out before July 1st.  Otherwise, he’ll stay locked into his current contract next season.  So when is Gilbert planning on making the opt-out official?

June 30th.

If you’re envisioning some bizarre scenario where Gilbert submits the paperwork on time, but it doesn’t get processed until after the deadline a la Terrell Owens, you’re not the only one.

Regardless, it does look like his knee is doing better.  Here’s what Gilbert had to say about his recovery:

I’ll be full speed by October.  I’m not going to do anything stupid this summer. I’m going to take my time and prepare for next season. I’m going to be smart about it this year. I’m going to have five or six months to get this thing strong again and ready to go again.