Gerald Henderson finalizing deal with Bobcats
Restricted free-agent guard Gerald Henderson is finalizing an agreement on a three-year, $18 million contract extension with the Charlotte Bobcats, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Henderson will hold a player option in the third year, sources said.
The re-signing of Henderson – one of the most consistent and talented players for the fledgling franchise – was the top priority for the franchise to secure for new coach Steve Clifford.
After details are ironed out over the weekend, an agreement is expected to be signed early next week, league sources said.
The Bobcats have strengthened their nucleus with the drafting of fourth overall pick Cody Zeller and the signing of free-agent center Al Jefferson.
Henderson turned down more lucrative money from Charlotte to secure the player option on the third year of the deal, sources said. He could've had $7 million per season in this deal, but would've had to lock into three years without the player option in 2015-'16 that could get Henderson into free agency a year sooner, sources said.
Henderson averaged 15.5 points on nearly 45 percent shooting a season ago. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft.
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