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Hornets sign center Cody Zeller to 4-year, $56 million extension
The Charlotte Hornets front office made another long-term move on Monday night before the NBA's early contract extension deadline, signing center Cody Zeller to a multi-year extension. It is a four-year, $56 million deal, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The extension does not include any options, locking Zeller into the team's future through the 2020-21 season at an average annual value of $14 million. Given the 24-year-old's continued development and the going rate for NBA starters, it's a sensible move for a franchise starting to piece together its core under head coach Steve Clifford.
"Maintaining and building our young core of players has been a key goal for us the last few years," general manager Rich Cho said in a statement. "We’re excited that Cody will be part of the Hornets organization for years to come. Cody is a hard worker, a team-first player and a versatile talent that was a large part of our success last year. He has improved in each of his three seasons in the NBA.
"We look forward to a bright future with Cody as a part of the roster that we are continuing to build."
Zeller joins Nicolas Batum ($120 million) and Marvin Williams ($54 million) as the latest long-term investment made by general manager Rich Cho & Co.
With the deal, the Hornets have now locked up their core of Batum, Zeller, Williams, Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist through at least the 2018-19 season.
Zeller enjoyed a career year last season, averaging career highs in points (8.7), rebounds (6.2), player efficiency rating (16.1) and win shares (6.3). He joins seven other members of the 2013 draft class to receive extensions prior to the OCt. 31 deadline — Giannnis Antentokounmpo (Bucks), Dennis Schroder (Hawks), C.J. McCollum (Trail Blazers), Gorgui Dieng (Timberwolves), Rudy Gobert (Jazz) and Steven Adams Victor Oladipo (Thunder).
The deal will still keep Charlotte under the tax next season.
.@CodyZeller with the #DKO (Dunk Out of Nowhere) for @Hornets. #BOSatCHA. Watch it now on @FOXSportsSE pic.twitter.com/akyQLIFzXu
— FOX Sports Southeast (@HornetsOnFSSE) October 30, 2016
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