Hornets to exercise option on former NBA champion

The Charlotte Hornets made another move Monday, but not as big as their recent trades, including LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. The Hornets exercised their $3.8 million team option to retain veteran swingman Pat Connaughton.

While Connaughton played in just 42 games for the Hornets last season, the biggest impact he made was off of the floor, mentoring Charlotte’s young players in the locker room. His help aided in the team’s success, making a 25-win improvement from a season prior. On the year, the former Milwaukee Buck tallied 2.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.4 assists, and 0.3 blocks while shooting a career-high 40.4% from 3-point range. Looking to help Charlotte reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season, Connaughton will enter his 12th NBA season this fall.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets to exercise option on former NBA champion