For a week we have heard rumors flying, verbal commitments, followed by reneging on said commitments. We have seen superstars and role-players alike courted like George Clooney at a trashy romance novel sale swarming with divorcée. Finally … in two hours at least …  it will be time to put the proverbial pens to paper. No different than the ladies devouring Georgie and the store like a plague of locusts, many will go home empty-handed without their prize, while a lucky few may find just the gem they were looking for.

The free agent negotiation period, which started July 1st, will give way to the signing period at midnight tonight.

Restricted NBA free agents can sign with any team that has the cap room to sign them, but the original team they were on last season can match the offer within two weeks and keep the player. Unrestricted NBA free agents can sign with any team; once they’ve signed their former team has no say in the matter.

So far the Hornets have been quiet in the negotiation period – publicly at least.

For 24/7 news during the free agent period stay tuned to SwarmAndSting.com, as we will be bringing you the most up to date news on the most recent moves and rumors.