So says ESPN's Marc Stein today: -------------------------------------------------- How close were the league-owned Hornets and Eric Gordon to finalizing a contract extension before Wednesday's midnight deadline? According to sources close to the talks, Gordon wanted a four-year deal worth no less than $55 million -- $5 million to 7 million shy of the projected four-year max -- while the Hornets' offer topped out at around $50 million. Gordon has played in only two games this season because of an ongoing knee problem but undeniably ranks as the most prized asset New Orleans acquired in the December deal that sent face of the franchise Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers. He'll be a restricted free agent in July, meaning that the Hornets' new owners -- assuming that the NBA finally finds a buyer by then as it hopes -- will have the right to match the inevitable interest in the Indiana native from the Pacers and other teams. -------------------------------------------------- The most another team can offer Gordon this summer is 4 years and $58M.