Although players like James Harden, Stephen Curry, and Ty Lawson have been cited more frequently as extension candidates this offseason, one 2009 first-rounder also eligible for a new long-term deal is the Bobcats' Gerald Henderson. And a team source tells Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer that the Bobcats figure to explore an extension for Henderson before the October 31st deadline.
Bonnell cautions that if history is any indication, the Bobcats are more likely to let their first-round picks become restricted free agents rather than locking them up in advance of free agency. Charlotte may prefer to simply let the season play out and make Henderson a qualifying offer next summer, likely worth about $4.27MM.
As Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors wrote when he examined Henderson as a potential extension candidate in August, the Bobcats had trouble convincing free agents like Carl Landry and Antawn Jamison to sign in Charlotte this summer. If free agents continue to shy away from Charlotte, the team's best approach may involve locking up its own players, particularly one like Henderson, who has shown consistent improvement over his first three seasons and is still just 24 years old.