Hornets pursuing Marvin Williams as possible replacement for Josh McRoberts
After losing free agent Josh McRoberts to the Miami Heat, the Charlotte Hornets are pursuing free agent Marvin Williams to take over the power forward slot, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Hornets and Williams have discussed parameters of a deal, but no agreement is imminent, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Williams, 28, is perhaps the best available power forward left on the free-agent market and it could be paramount to the Hornets to secure him.
The Hornets are left with a gaping hole at the position, where it is unclear if 2013 No. 4 overall pick Cory Zeller is ready to step into the starting lineup of a team with expectations to return to the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Williams averaged nine points and five rebounds in 25 minutes per game for Utah in 2013-14. After Atlanta made Williams the No. 2 pick in the 2005 NBA draft, he played seven seasons for the Hawks before a trade to Utah two seasons ago. For his career, Williams has averaged 10.8 points and 5.1 rebounds.
The Jazz still value Williams and haven't given up hope of re-signing him, but his desire for contract security may exceed what Utah's willing to pay, sources said.
Charlotte finished a two-day visit with Utah restricted free agent Gordon Hayward on Tuesday, but has yet to decide whether it will deliver him an offer sheet, sources said. Hayward is a play-making small forward, and the Jazz have maintained they're determined to keep him by matching any offer sheet.
