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Just under two hours before the deadline, Cody Zeller and the Charlotte Hornets agreed to a big $56 million deal.
Charlotte's Cody Zeller has agreed to a four-year, $56M extension, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) November 1, 2016
Cody Zeller's 4 year, $56 million extension with Charlotte doesn't include options, per source
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 1, 2016
Zeller has seen his role with the Hornets increase each season with the Hornets, culminating in a solid start to the season this year with the fourth-year big man averaging 10.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.
More importantly, very smart basketball people like the deal for both sides.
Solid deal for Zeller + CHA. Lower Year 1 $$ han his projected cap hold. Given glut of bigs, not sure he was lock to get mega-offer in FA.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) November 1, 2016
In the end, Oladipo and Zeller raked in $140 million combined, which is a hell of a day for former Hoosiers and a hell of a recruiting pitch going forward for Tom Crean.