New Orleans Hornets Say they Plan to Keep Eric Gordon Long-Term

After failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension with their star guard, the New Orleans Hornets took the highly unusual step of sending out a press release claiming that they have every intention of keeping Eric Gordon in the Big Easy. From the Times-Picayune: “We all worked hard on the extension, but sometimes business is business,’ Gordon said. ‘Right now my sole focus is on staying in great shape, and making sure I get back to 100 percent health as quickly as possible, so I can return to playing and helping my teammates and Coach Monty win games. That is really what it is all about right now for me.’ From the team: ‘We made good faith and amicable efforts to reach an agreement on a contract extension over the past few days,’ said Hornets General Manager Dell Demps. ‘Unfortunately, although close, we did not reach an agreement. Eric will be a restricted free agent this summer and we are optimistic and encouraged with the opportunity to sign Eric to a contract that will make him a member of the Hornets organization and community for years to come.’”