Swarm and Sting
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Rumor: Charlotte Hornets interested in free agent Tony Parker

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 21: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Charlotte Hornets tries to stop Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 21, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 21: Jeremy Lamb #3 of the Charlotte Hornets tries to stop Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 21, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets are one team who are reportedly in position to potentially sign free agent point guard Tony Parker this summer.

According to L’Equipe and BasketUSA.com, the Charlotte Hornets are one of five or six teams who have positioned themselves to convince Tony Parker to sign with them. One other team is the Denver Nuggets but it’s unclear who else is targeting the four-time NBA Champion. With the Queen City team looking to add another ball-handler, it makes sense as to why they are linked to Tony.

Parker is an unrestricted free agent this summer. He could re-sign with the San Antonio Spurs but it’s looking like other teams want to land him this offseason. The report adds that he is searching for a two-year deal worth about $6-7 million per year which could be in Charlotte’s price range.

Tony has a couple of connections to the Hornets with Nicolas Batum and James Borrego. Nic has played alongside Parker with the French National Team for some time while Charlotte’s new head coach was on the Spurs’ bench from 2015-2018.

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The 36-year old is nearing the end of his career but isn’t done just yet as he looks to play for at least a couple more seasons. Parker averaged 7.7 points per game, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 45.9% from the field, 27% from deep, and 70.5% the free throw line in 19.5 minutes this past season.

Tony was limited to only 55 games in 2017-18 and only made 21 starts as he moved to more of a bench role. He could be a solid option to backup Kemba Walker next year. The 6’2 point guard is a great floor general and would give Charlotte a veteran presence in the locker room and championship experience.

Parker has had a storied NBA career and is a sure-fire Hall of Famer. He’s a six-time all-star, named to an All-NBA team on four separate occasions and won the 2006-07 Finals MVP.

The Hornets have an $8.8 million Mid-Level Exception to spend on free agents this offseason. That would be enough to land Tony if the reports are true.

Next: Graham to become unrestricted free agent

It will be interesting to see what happens with Parker this summer but it’s worth noting that Charlotte’s also been linked to Tyreke Evans. I would guess that Tyreke is their primary target and Tony is more of a backup option if they fail to land Evans.

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