Landing versatile wing player could fill a big void on team
The Hornets are targeting Boston Celtics free agent James Posey to solve their needs at shooting guard, but whether Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower can pull off a deal is uncertain.

Free agents can begin signing contracts and Posey is one of the most sought after on the market. Posey, who can play shooting guard and small forward, appears to be one of the Hornets' No. 1 targets. However, it likely would take a full mid-level exception offer of $5.8 million for him to consider coming to New Orleans.

Since July 1, the first day teams could begin contacting free agents; Bower has been in discussions with Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein. Posey, 6 feet 8, was the Celtics' top reserve and played a key role against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

"Jeff and I have had a lot of conversations," Bartelstein said. "We're talking."

Bartelstein issued the same update on Hornets' free-agent guard Jannero Pargo, whom the Hornets are seeking to re-sign. Pargo has drawn interest from several teams, including Denver and New Jersey.

Besides All-Star point guard Chris Paul agreeing to a three-year extension that includes a player option for the fourth year that would push the value to $68 million, the Hornets have no other commitments.

Under league rules, Bower cannot comment about free agency until Wednesday. Posey has received interest from the Celtics, Lakers, Pistons and several other teams.

Posey averaged 8.7 points in the Finals. In 2006, he was a reserve for Miami, which won the NBA championship.

Not only can Posey play multiple positions and score from the perimeter, he's a tough defender.

The Hornets also have expressed interest in Pistons free agent Jarvis Hayes.

Last month, the Hornets traded the draft rights of Kansas forward Darrell Arthur, whom they selected with the 27th overall pick, to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for nearly $3 million in cash to be used toward free agency.

After the deal was completed, Coach Byron Scott said the Hornets are a team of now and they planned to sign a veteran in free agency who could step in right away.