Michael Jordan, Charlotte Hornets Want To Keep Al Jefferson

Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets have re-signed point guard Kemba Walker and want to do the same with big man Al Jefferson in the 2015 NBA offseason

More from Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets (then-Bobcats) were the surprise of the 2013-2014 season, finishing 43-39 and returning to the playoffs for the first since 2010 when they were swept by the

Orlando Magic

. The two biggest reasons for their success were the progression of point guard Kemba Walker and the addition of big man Al Jefferson.

The Hornets took care of Kemba Walker earlier this week, giving the fourth-year pro a four-year, $48 million contract extension. Next up will be Al Jefferson.

Michael Jordan knows how important it was to get Kemba Walker locked up and hopes to do the same with Al Jefferson in the offseason.

“I’d much rather get Kemba done before the season starts,” Jordan said via Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer. “Ultimately that’s what I intend to accomplish. We’re in real conversations. I’m hopeful. Really hopeful.

“They are core pieces of what we’re trying to do. I’d like to keep both of those guys. I say I’d like to, and I’d spend the money that’s appropriate. I’ll make every attempt to keep them.”

“Al is a straight shooter. We love him,” Jordan said. “He took a gamble on us. That obviously plays into our thinking.”

Al Jefferson had 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots in the Hornets’ season-opening 108-106 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night. Al Jefferson averaged 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.9% from the field and 69.0% from the free throw line last season.

More from FanSided

Home/Charlotte Hornets