"With only five players currently under contract and a free-agency signing period beginning on Friday, the agents for former New Orleans Hornets' power forwards David West, Carl Landry and Jason Smith both said Sunday that the team wants all three to return this season.

However, Lance Young, who represents West, and Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Landry and Smith, said that their clients were in high demand throughout the league.

NBA general managers and coaches reportedly can begin contacting players personally today in an attempt to recruit their services.

Bartelstein said Sunday that Hornets general manager Dell Demps – who could not be reached for comment – has also inquired about two of Bartenstein's other clients, shooting guards Shannon Brown and Nick Young."