Report: Hornets, Lamb closing in on 3-year, $21M extension

The Charlotte Hornets and Jeremy Lamb are closing in on a three-year, $21-million contract extension, ESPN's Marc Stein reports.

The 23-year-old was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 12th overall pick in the 2012 draft, but was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder days prior to the start of the season as part of the James Harden trade.

As a rookie, Lamb did not garner much playing time - likely a function of the Thunder's loaded rotation of proven perimeter players. He averaged 3.1 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.2 assists in only 6.4 minutes during his first pro season.

Lamb's minutes and, consequently, opportunities to prove his worth to then-head coach Scott Brooks, increased during his second season. Receiving 19.7 minutes per game, Lamb saw modest improvements in his on-court production, finishing 2013-14 with 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, while establishing himself as a legitimate threat from long distance (35.6 per cent).

His third-year numbers faded, as did his prospects for long-term staying power in the league.

And so, it came as no surprise when the Thunder shipped the UConn alumnus to Charlotte, reuniting him with college teammate Kemba Walker.

With Monday's deadline for contract extensions for players from the 2012 draft class fast-approaching, a new deal for Lamb - who recorded nine points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday - likely comes as a relief to the still-unproven wing.