SRB - Hornets to sign Stojakovic

OKLAHOMA CITY (NBA) - The New Orleans Hornets have agreed a deal to sign three-time All-Star Peja Stojakovic, who is a free agent after leaving the Indiana Pacers.

According to various reports in the United States, the Hornets agreed to pay the Serbia & Montenegro international $64 million over five years.

Stojakovic cannot officially sign the deal until the NBA's moratorium ends on July 12.

However, a statement by Hornets general manager Jeff Bower on the club's website indicated the team will sign Stojakovic, who is regarded as one of the game's best outside shooters.

"The Hornets intend to enter into a player contract with free agent Peja Stojakovic once the NBA-mandated moratorium ends on July 12," Bower said.

It would be the third team in the last two seasons for Stojakovic, who opted out of the final year of his six-year contract in hopes of getting a long-term deal. He was expected to earn $8.125 million next season.

Stojakovic, 29, spent his first seven seasons with Sacramento before being traded to Indiana in a deal for Ron Artest in January.

In 40 games with the Pacers, Stojakovic averaged 19.5 points while shooting 46% from the floor. However, the 6ft 10in forward missed four of the club's six playoff games against New Jersey with a knee injury.

Stojakovic would join a Hornets team that, despite being left without a home following the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, enjoyed a 20-win improvement and was in the playoff race until the final week in the competitive Western Conference before finishing with a 38-44 record.

The Hornets also have a need for an outside presence after finishing 25th in the league in scoring and 26th in shooting percentage last year.

Stojakovic would more than fill that need since he is a career 40% three-point shooter. He and Seattle's Ray Allen are the only two players to make at least 100 three-pointers in each of the past seven seasons.

In 558 career regular-season games, Stojakovic has averaged 18.4 points while shooting just over 46% from the floor. The Serbian also has averaged 17.1 points in 59 playoff games.

Stojakovic has withdrawn from the FIBA World Championship following his injury troubles this season, but is due to return to international action in time for next year’s EuroBasket.

PA Sport