HoopsHype.com Rumors

Sources indicated Thursday, however, the Hornets would like to retain Smith, perhaps at a salary lower than the $3.135 he would have earned next season had the Hornets tendered him. Belinelli started 69 games for New Orleans last season, averaging 10.5 points per game, his best numbers in four NBA season. Belinelli's option is worth $3.377 next year. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Free Agency, Marco Belinelli, Jason Smith 

With forward David West and reserve center Aaron Gray opting for free agency this week, the Hornets have only five players under contract and have until the end of Thursday to make a decision on whether to extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents Marco Belinelli and Jason Smith. Paul says his heart is in New Orleans but that he wants to win, so he hopes the Hornets will be able to revamp the roster with some top players. Paul says he's spoken with West and understands his decision to explore free agency, but says that doesn't mean West won't return to New Orleans. USA Today

New Orleans Hornets, Free Agency, Chris Paul, Aaron Gray, Marco Belinelli, Jason Smith, David West 

The agents for New Orleans Hornets restricted free agents Marco Belinelli and Jason Smith said Tuesday they’re still waiting to hear from General Manager Dell Demps whether their clients’ options will be picked up for next season. New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Free Agency, Marco Belinelli, Jason Smith 

If not tendered, the players become unrestricted free agents. Mark Bartelstein, Smith’s Chicago-based agent, said Tuesday he’s certain Smith, 7 feet, 240 pounds, would attract attention on the open market. “We’re good either way,” Bartelstein said. “I’d love for him to be unrestricted. There’d be interest in him. If they don’t pick it up, so be it. If they do, then he’ll be restricted and we’ll deal with that. We’ll just wait and see what Dell decides there.” New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Free Agency, Marco Belinelli, Jason Smith 

“There’ll be a ton of interest in Jason,” Bartelstein said. “He’s a young, 25-year-old guy, who hasn’t been that healthy with the ACL injury a couple years ago and who has all his health and athleticism back. So we’ll just wait to see what they’re going to do.” New Orleans Times-Picayune

New Orleans Hornets, Free Agency, Marco Belinelli, Jason Smith 

Adrian Wojnarowski: New Orleans has traded Darius Songalia and Craig Brackins to Philly for Willie Green and Jason Smith, league source tells Y! Twitter

New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Darius Songaila, Willie Green, Jason Smith, Craig Brackins 

The Sixers have completed a deal to send Willie Green and Jason Smith to the New Orleans Hornets for Darius Songalia and Craig Brackins. Philly Sports Daily

New Orleans Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Darius Songaila, Willie Green, Jason Smith, Craig Brackins