Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo: Todd Kirkland Philadelphia 76ers point guard Lou Williams (23) in first half action of the Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks game at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

Lou Williams and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to part ways, according to the former South Gwinnett star's Twitter and Facebook feed Friday afternoon.

The 6-foot-2 guard, coming off the best season of his NBA career, is now headed for free agency to find a team for the 2012-13 season. He opted out of the final year of his contract, which was worth $6.4 million, according to the Associated Press.

"Philly, I appreciate you all," Williams said. "Unfortunately I will not be coming back, as an organization they decided to move in a different direction."

Williams, 25, was Philadelphia's leading scorer this past season, averaging 14.9 points as the team's sixth man. He finished second to Oklahoma City's James Harden in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting.

He was a popular player with the Sixers, who drafted him in 2005 straight out of high school. He was the 45th selection overall in the second round after winning the Naismith National Player of the Year award as a South senior. He initially signed with Georgia before opting to enter the draft.

Williams, who hosted a radio show in Philly and also was involved in the city's music scene, has averaged double figures in scoring every season since 2007-08, his third year in the league.