AP Images
New Orleans, La. - Fox 8 Sports has learned through a league source that Rashard Lewis, just acquired by the Hornets can be released on July 1st to free up $7 million in cap space for the Hornets. The team traded Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza to the Washington Wizards for Lewis and the 46th overall pick in the draft.
July 1st is the day that the NBA's restricted free agency begins. Ten days later, all of free agency begins. Hornets SG Eric Gordon is a restricted free agent and has stated that he will test the market but the Hornets have the right to match any contract he is offered.