Hornets' Jefferson to delay free agency until 2016

Al Jefferson will be back with the Charlotte Hornets next season and will delay his free agency until the summer of 2016.

Jefferson's agent, Jeff Schwartz, told ESPN's Marc Stein that his client will not opt out of the final year of his deal, keeping him in Charlotte for the 2015-16 season. Jefferson will make $13.5 million in the final year of his contract and then enter free agency when the salary cap is expected to rise dramatically thanks to the new television rights deal.

Now entering his third season with the Hornets, the 30-year-old Jefferson had until Monday's deadline to decide whether or not he would opt out.

In 65 games last season, Jefferson averaged 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks.