Coming off a shortened season and a foot injury, I’m not sure Al Jefferson would have received $13 million on the open market.
According to his agent, Jefferson will bypass opting out and will remain in Charlotte, putting off free agency for one season.
Jeff Schwartz, Jefferson’s longtime agent, told ESPN.com he will formally notify the Hornets that his 30-year-old client will delay his next foray in free agency for one more year.
Jefferson, for his part, said in April after the Hornets missed the postseason that he was unlikely to opt out, citing “unfinished business” in Charlotte.
The 2015-16 season will mark the third and final season of the contract Jefferson unexpectedly signed with Charlotte in the summer of 2013, after stints in Boston, Utah and Minnesota.
After being limited to 65 games this past season, Jefferson has focused on losing weight.
