Derek Jeter Should Decline His Player Option

I know this goes beyond wishful thinking, but what if Jeter declines the option, then takes a 1 year deal lowering his AAV?
— Greedy Pinstripes (@GreedyStripes) October 2, 2013

I was reading Yankees news this morning, and I came across a bit about Derek Jeter not knowing whether or not he'll exercise his player option. The writer went on to say that he couldn't imagine Jeter declining the option, as he has zero leverage in negotiating a new two or three year deal. On top of that, I highly doubt Derek is going to call it quits.

But what if The Captain did decline the player option, and simply signs a one year deal?

I've figured out that the average annual value (AAV), which is what is used when figuring out a team's payroll for Luxury Tax purposes, of Jeter's contract will be $14.375 million in 2014. Derek could decline the option, sign a one year deal worth $12 million (which is actually $2.5 million more than he'd make next season), and save the team $2.375 million towards the Luxury Tax. Which could be big when it comes to getting under $189 million.

Would Bud Selig call foul on that? Clearly the Yankees would be trying to manipulate things in order to save money on the Luxury Tax, which is a no-no. But can Selig do anything about it? Jeter would be well within his rights to decline the player option, and there's no rule saying the Yankees couldn't sign him to a new one-year contract.

Again, this is probably beyond wishful thinking on my part, but it does seem like a win-win solution for both Derek Jeter and the Yankees.