Report: Hornets' Josh McRoberts opts out of final contract year

Josh McRoberts started 78 games for Charlotte last season. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) After Charlotte Hornets power forward Josh McRoberts' improved

Josh McRoberts started 78 games for Charlotte last season. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

After Charlotte Hornets power forward Josh McRoberts' improved showing in 2013-14 led team owner Michael Jordan to call him his "connect-the-dots" guy, McRoberts is now trying cash in. Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports McRoberts opted out of his contract on Wednesday.

The move sets the wheels in motion for McRoberts to become a free agent in July, when he hopes to improve on what would have been a $2.8 million salary had he stayed with the deal.

McRoberts, 27, started all 78 games in which he played last season, averaging 8.5 points, 4.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. He also provided Charlotte an outside threat shooting 36.1 percent from 3-point range. Per Bonnell, the Hornets will attempt to re-sign McRoberts.

At a pre-draft press conference Wednesday afternoon, Hornets general manager Rich Cho made it clear they will pursue McRoberts aggressively: "Josh is a big part of our team. We definitely want to re-sign him."

Although, power forwards Julius Randle, Aaron Gordon and Noah Vonleh could entice general manager Rich Cho with the team's No. 9 overall pick if they are still on the board.

If McRoberts does leave Charlotte, the Hornets could plug Cody Zeller, last year's fourth overall pick, into the role.

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