"Thanks to the relationship forged between coach and player, the New Orleans Hornets secured their power forward spot on Thursday when free-agent Carl Landry accepted a one-year contract for just under $9 million, Landry's agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed.

Bartelstein said the NBA, which currently owns the Hornets as the search for a new owner winds down, encouraged a short-term agreement over a longer term contract.

"The NBA is not wanting to make long-term commitments on contracts now because of the sale of the team," Bartelstein said. "So they wanted to do one year. And we looked at some different scenarios. Carl, he really built a connection with Monty Williams and really, really enjoyed playing for him."