Hornets Trade Rumors

"When their playoff run ultimately ends, Hornets owner George Shinn plans to begin negotiations to extend Coach Byron Scott's contract. After this season, Scott has only an option year remaining on his contract for the 2008-09 season. The Hornets have the choice to extend him the option year at his current estimated $4.2 million salary or offer an extension. Although unlikely, Scott could opt out of his contract. However, he would have to pay the franchise an undisclosed amount, his business manager, Brian McInerney said. An NBA source said Scott would have to pay up to $2 million to opt out. "

"Today NBA Commissioner David Stern is expected to reinstate former Hornets center/forward Chris Andersen, who served a two-year suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy, two league sources confirmed Monday night. Andersen, 29, will be re-signed by the Hornets today or Wednesday if he passes a mandatory physical examination. "

"Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower is willing to listen to any team's trade offer, but he is not pushing to make a deal just to match what the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns have done."

"Here are a few players Stefanski should be targeting, in alphabetical order: Chris Andersen, Hornets... Randolph Morris, Knicks... Mickael Pietrus, Warriors... Thabo Sefolosha, Bulls..."

"The Hornets are involved in trade discussions with several teams to strengthen their bench so starters Chris Paul and David West won't have to continue playing extended minutes."

"Pro basketball fans seeking a peek into the future have plenty of reason to head for KeyArena on Wednesday night. Not only can they catch Sonics rookie sensation Kevin Durant and young point guard phenom Chris Paul of New Orleans, but in the visiting Hornets lies a potential solution to the long-term NBA outlook in Seattle."

"Weeks before camp, coach Sam Vincent suggested the team sign another veteran big man, mentioning free agents Michael Ruffin and Marc Jackson as possibilities. Ruffin signed with Milwaukee, but Jackson (most recently a New Orleans Hornet) appears to be available."

"Though former Hornets forward P.J. Brown is considering retirement, General Manager Jeff Bower contacted his agent, Mark Bartelstein, on Sunday night. Bower said they would consider bringing back Brown, whose offseason home is in Slidell, if decides to play this season. "

"Vincent has mentioned free agents Michael Ruffin or Marc Jackson as possibilities, and the team also worked out Vitaly Potapenko recently. Vincent uses the word 'rugged'' to describe what he needs, and all three of those guys know how to throw their bodies around the lane."

"But we're looking to add another frontline player because I think we need more than four. Obviously, we're real encouraged with Tyson, and David West continues to evolve into a prime-time player, and the development of Cedric Simmons and Hilton is something we continue to watch. We would like to add a fifth frontline player to be able to challenge and test everyone.""

"The Hornets will announce today that owner George Shinn has reached an agreement with Galliano businessman Gary Chouest and an unidentified investor from Louisiana to purchase a 25 percent minority share of the team, a league source said Monday night."

"The Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers and Hornets remain interested in signing Pargo, who averaged 9.2 points last season while playing in all 82 games with the Hornets. If the Hornets don't re-sign Pargo, they could pursue Houston backup guard John Lucas in a trade."

"Harris said contract talks are continuing with the agents for Mo Williams and Desmond Mason. When final details are wrapped up, both players are expected to sign with the Bucks."

"Desmond Mason felt angry and betrayed when he left Milwaukee less than two years ago. But the 29-year-old free agent isn't harboring resentment against the Bucks any longer and is poised to agree to a multiyear contract with his former team after playing the past two seasons with the New Orleans Hornets."

"The state is poised to pay Jefferson Parish up to $457,000 a year for the Hornets to use the Alario Center as a temporary practice facility for the next two seasons, but the agreement isn't expected to be signed for at least two weeks, after the release of the team's 2007-08 schedule."

"It appears they will no longer make a push to re-sign small forward Desmond Mason, who wants a salary beyond $8 million. The likely scenario is a sign-and-trade deal. The Hornets are still interested in re-signing backup point guard Jannero Pargo, and negotiations continue between his agent, Mark Bartelstein, and Bower."