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Charlotte Hornets rumors: Could Hornets trade Al Jefferson?

By Andrew Melnick

Apr 2, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) shoots as Philadelphia 76ers forward Jarvis Varnado (40) defends during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) shoots as Philadelphia 76ers forward Jarvis Varnado (40) defends during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Al Jefferson was the biggest reason for the success of the Charlotte Hornets last season. With all of his success, many believe Jefferson will look to cash in free agency in 2015. That had led to speculation the Hornets could deal him if things don’t go well this season.

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Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders could see the Hornets looking at a trade if Jefferson makes any indication he may want out but believes they will hold onto him.

"First off Rich Cho doesn’t get to trade anyone by himself — will Michael Jordan trade him? That’s going depend on the conversations Al has with the team leading up to the deadline. If there is a sense that he’s going shopping, maybe they look to trade him, but the fact that he just got there bodes well for them keeping him especially if they’ll up the money, which they can and likely will."

Jefferson also doesn’t have to opt out of the final year of the three-year contract he signed in 2013 but if he has another year like he did last season, he almost certainly will. With the addition of Lance Stephenson and the continued development of Kemba Walker, the Hornets should be better next season. Plus, they are showing their commitment to winning. All those factors make the Hornets the heavy favorites to keep Jefferson, meaning they likely won’t be dealing him.

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. In his 10-year career, Jefferson has put up 17.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game while shooting 50.1% from the floor and 71.3% from the charity stripe for the Hornets, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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