Roger Mason Jr. didn’t think that his second stint with his hometown Wizards was going to come to an end once the season ended. He had hoped to return to play for a coach who had finally given him an opportunity to contribute and with a group of young players still in need of guidance to move beyond being repeat lottery offenders.

But with the Wizards drafting Bradley Beal and adding a veteran presence with the acquisitions of Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, Mason had to consider other options during free agency. After attracting attention from the Wizards, New Orleans, Chicago, Oklahoma City and the Los Angeles Lakers, among others, Mason eventually settled on the Hornets. He agreed to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum on Wednesday, effectively going from one former No. 1 pick from Kentucky (John Wall) to another (Anthony Davis).

“I’m excited. They told me from the start that they wanted me. They stayed in touch. They have a clear role for me, as far as me not just being a veteran leader, but a guy that can contribute on the court,” Mason said in a telephone interview. “I just love the direction the franchise is going. So I’m looking forward to heading down there.”

via Michael Lee of The Washington Post