Hornets guard Gerald Henderson exercises $6 million player option

Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson has exercised his $6 million player option, the team announced Wednesday.

Charlotte Hornets guard Gerald Henderson has exercised his $6 million player option, the team announced Wednesday.

Henderson, 27, was taken by Charlotte with the 12th pick in the 2009 draft after three years at nearby Duke. He led the team in minutes played last season and averaged 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Henderson has averaged 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in his six seasons. 

Henderson joins teammate Al Jefferson in exercising his 2015–16 option. 

Henderson's decision comes just days after Charlotte traded away another of its wing players, Lance Stephenson. Stephenson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday in exchange for big man Spencer Hawes and small forward Matt Barnes. The Hornets are reportedly unlikely to keep Barnes.

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- Dan Gartland