It brings up an interesting point about player representation. If a player such as Nelson is not out to break the bank, is it really worth having an agent? The player still knows his worth and is going to get close to his value from the team. What he is likely giving up are maybe some of the smaller incentives or bonuses that an agent might insert into a contract.
When Nelson signed his extension prior to the 2011 season, it was for 3 years and up to $15 million. Assuming the relatively standard 3% agent fee, he would have paid someone half a million dollars that he now has kept in his pocket. I suppose that he could have gotten an extra million in the contract and essentially paid for the agent's services. I wonder what motivates players to self-represent.