CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Charlotte Hornets have shown they are committed to center Cody Zeller.
Zeller agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract extension with the Hornets, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday night on condition of anonymity because the signing hasn’t been announced.
The Vertical.com was first to report the signing.
The 7-foot Zeller started 60 games last season for the Hornets and averaged a career-high 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He is splitting time at center this season with Roy Hibbert, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason.
Zeller has battled through knee and shoulder injuries in the past year, but seems to be healthy now. The former Indiana star is off to a good start, averaging 10.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in three contests. Zeller is shooting 61 percent from the field this season.
Had Charlotte not signed Zeller, he would have become a restricted free agent after the season. He is currently in his fourth season with the Hornets after being selected fourth overall in the 2013 draft.
