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Charlotte Hornets: Deal is better than first thought for Tony Parker

By Brandon Croce

SAN ANTONIO,TX - JANUARY 23 : Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs gives instruction to teammates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at AT&T Center on January 23, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - JANUARY 23 : Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs gives instruction to teammates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at AT&T Center on January 23, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets signed veteran Tony Parker this offseason to a great deal with minimal risk.

There is no question that new Charlotte Hornets’ guard Tony Parker has had an incredible career and at one time was one of the best point guards in the game. The awards he has won during his time with the San Antonio Spurs speaks to the type of player he is from six All-Star nominations, four NBA Championships and in 2006 was named NBA Finals MVP.

However, Parker is 36 years of age and in the twilight of his career. At this point it is hard to expect him to produce like a starter or a top tier point guard. Parker is coming off a year where he started only 21 games and had career lows in point (7.7) and assists (3.5).

That doesn’t mean though that he can’t be valuable to a team and he brings experience and leadership that can’t be measured in the box score.

When it was announced the Charlotte Hornets would be signing Parker, the biggest question was what type of contract did he receive? The news of a two-year deal for $10 million sounded like a perfect deal for a player like Parker at this point in his career.

Well on Tuesday that deal sounded even better.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the second year of Parker’s deal is non-guaranteed with a trigger date of July 4th, 2019.

This means the Hornets essentially signed Parker to a one-year deal and if that is the case, it is a steal. His presence in the locker room will be a big boost for first-year coach James Borrego, who spent a lot of time with Parker as assistant coach with the Spurs.

This gives the Hornets a great deal of flexibility over the next year. If Parker is able to contribute off the bench behind Kemba Walker, then the Hornets are able to pick up that second year. However, if the veteran point guard continues to see his stats decline, the Hornets are able to move on next year.

Next: Hornets, Isaiah Wilkins agree to training camp deal

In terms of value and the contract agreed upon, this could be one of the best deals in free agency.

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