CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Hornets have announced center Al Jefferson has exercised the third-year option on his contract and will remain with the team next season.
The 11-year NBA veteran will make $13.5 million in the final year of his deal.
The 6-foot-10, 289-pound Jefferson said after the regular season he planned to remain with the Hornets because there was ''unfinished business'' to attend to after the Charlotte failed to make the playoffs.
Jefferson struggled with injuries last season and appeared in 65 games, averaging 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.