Encouraging news, whether it be lip service or not, from the team that said the contract extension talks have left no residual effects on the team. ‘We made good faith and amicable efforts to reach an agreement on a contract extension over the past few days,’ said Hornets General Manager Dell Demps. ‘Unfortunately, although close, we did not reach an agreement. Eric will be a restricted free agent this summer and we are optimistic and encouraged with the opportunity to sign Eric to a contract that will make him a member of the Hornets organization and community for years to come.’