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Hornets' prospective free agents want to return next season

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Coming off the franchise's most successful run since basketball returned to the city in 2004-05, several soon-to-be free agents on the Charlotte Hornets want nothing more than to be back with the team next season.

Charlotte was bounced from the playoffs on Sunday afternoon in a blowout Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat, 106-73. Less than 24 hours after that heartbreaking defeat, the players took part in their end-of-season interviews, with the likes of Al Jefferson expressing their interest in re-upping with the team.

"There's no place I'd rather be," Jefferson said. He also mentioned that he wants to end his playing career in Charlotte, and that money won't be an issue when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.

Guard Jeremy Lin voiced similar sentiments, saying that he "absolutely" wants to return to the Hornets, because this season was the most fun he's had in the NBA.

When asked whether he'd opt out of his contract to sign a long-term deal: "Yeah, I think that would be the perfect situation if that could happen."

Nicolas Batum, who was traded to the Hornets last summer from the Portland Trail Blazers, wants to ensure the roster remains intact before reaching his final decision.

"Who's returning on this team, who's coming back on this team," Batum said when asked what his determining factors would be. "I had a lot of fun with those guys."

The camaraderie and relationships with his teammates left a lasting impression on Marvin Williams, who would also like to have another go with the Hornets.

"There's no question. I want to return," Williams said. "Ill let it be known right now this is the most fun I've had in a season."

Charlotte ended the regular season with their strongest record (48-34) and most postseason victories (three) in the new era.

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