The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly lostAl Jeffersonto the Pacers andJeremy Linto the Nets.
“Big Al” Jefferson has been a fan favorite for the Charlotte Hornets for the past several years. That will change next season. According to NBA league sources, Jefferson verbally agreed to a three-year contract worth $30 million to play for the Indiana Pacers.
During the 2015-2016 season, Jefferson averaged 12 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He played in a total of 47 games.
After making the playoffs last season, the Hornets are poised to made a deeper splash in the Eastern Conference if they are smart about their new acquisitions.
More from Charlotte Hornets
- Charlotte Hornets: Return would have provided valuable experience
- Charlotte Hornets: Regrading the 2010 NBA Draft
- Charlotte Hornets win what could be final game of the season
- Charlotte Hornets: Tank now or buzz towards the playoffs?
- Charlotte Hornets travel to face Pistons with focus on the future
Charlotte’s top priority in the offseason was re-signingNicolas Batum, which was achieved by their front office. Jefferson joins Jeremy Lin as two players who will play elsewhere during the 2016-2017 season. Lin agreed to a three-year $36 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
The alleged departure of Jefferson leaves the Hornets withCody ZellerandSpencer Hawesas the only centers left on the roster. For now,Frank Kaminskyis the starting power forward. Another important free agent to re-sign isMarvin Williams. His versatility and ability to play both forward positions gave the Hornets the opportunity to use various lineups.
More fromOld North Banter
- Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
- Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
- NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
- Court alleges Zion’s Stepfather received $400k
- UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback
There are several free agent centers available during this offseason. Although former Hornet Bismayck Byombo had a great season with the Toronto Raptors, he is a free agent. Likewise, other notable available centers areAl Horford(Atlanta Hawks),Dwight Howard(Houston Rockets),Festus Ezeli(Golden State Warriors),David Lee(Boston Celtics),Miles Plumlee(Milwaukee Bucks),Nene Hilario(Washington Wizards),Kevin Seraphin(New York Knicks) andZaza Pachulia(Dallas Mavericks).
The Hornets have reportedly contacted power forwardKris Humphries. Possibly, “small ball” may be instituted in the Queen City despite having seven-footers in Hawes, Kaminsky and Zeller.
One thing for sure is that the core of the team will beKemba Walkerand Nicolas Batum. The Hornets will look for players whose skill levels complement both players.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations