Thudd Kassel Contract Issue

[br0_0ker]

He got traded to Philadelphia, declined his mutual option, then signed a new contract with Philadelphia.......there now you got all the facts

Ok, so swith NOLA with Philly everywhere in that last post, my questions remain. Seems odd to decline an option only to sign with the same team immediately after? Was it only so that player could get more $$$ than the $2M left on the 3 year deal he declined to continue?
And what would prevent a 3rd contract between that player and the team, equalling the difference between the 2 year "extension" and 3 year "extension"?