NBA rumors: Adrian Wojnarowski confirms Charlotte Hornets and Nick Richards have agreed to a $15 million extension

After three years with the Charlotte Hornets, Nick Richards will be re-signing with the team. Charlotte offered Richards another three-year contract worth $15 million. His new contract will effectively commence at the start of the 2023-24 NBA season.

While Richards was only a second-round pick in the 2020 NBA draft, he proved to be more valuable than what he was projected to be. This season, Richards is averaging 7.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

His efficient defense is likely the reason why the Hornets are rewarding Richards with a second stint. He and Mark Williams are the only defensive players on the team averaging at least five rebounds and one block. Williams, a rookie from Duke, is averaging 8.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 1.1 bpg.

What does next season hold for the Charlotte Hornets?

The Charlotte Hornets' season didn't go as expected due to a lack of star power in the team. Their star LaMelo Ball has been out much of the season long due to ankle injuries. During the 36 games he played, he sprained his left ankle on three occasions. He eventually had to be sidelined due to surgery on his fractured right ankle.

As a result, the Hornets (23-50), who won 43 games last season, had to face greater struggles in what was an already challenging season. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Terry Rozier carried the load all year long. Oubre is averaging 20.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Rozier is averaging 21.4 ppg, 5.1 apg, 4.1 rpg and 1.2 spg.

While it's obvious that the two players have been doing everything they can, the Hornets' lack of depth has killed them this season. However, this could all change beginning next season. Franchise owner Michael Jordan is reportedly planning to sell his majority stake. Having a new owner could lead to a different management system.

This might be a good sign, all things considered. Since Jordan became the majority owner of the franchise in 2010, Charlotte's seasons haven't exactly become any better. There's no question that the team has improved compared to what it was when the franchise was known as the Charlotte Bobcats. But Jordan's Hornets haven't found sustained success, either.

The best thing to ever happen for MJ's Hornets is the arrival of LaMelo Ball in 2020. Ball was a certified star from the get-go, becoming Rookie of the Year and then making his first All-Star appearance in only his second season. With a potential management change and the return of Ball next season, things might turn out better for the Charlotte Hornets.