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AP source: Hornets re-sign F Marvin Williams to 4-year deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Marvin Williams is staying put.

The Charlotte Hornets agreed to terms with the veteran forward on a four-year deal worth $54 million Saturday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because the contract cannot be signed until July 7.

The 30-year-old Williams averaged 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Hornets last season while shooting a career-best 40.2 percent from 3-point range. For his career, Williams has averaged 10.5 points and 5.2 rebounds.

Williams brings a steady veteran presence to a Hornets team that tied for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference last season, but has lost Jeremy Lin and Al Jefferson in free agency. The Hornets were able to reach a deal with small forward Nicolas Batum on Friday.

Williams has spent the past two seasons with the Hornets.

Williams, who played collegiately at North Carolina, has revived his career since signing with the Hornets.

This past season was one of his best, starting 81 games for the Hornets, who finished with the third-best record in the East. Charlotte lost in seven games to the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs.

Several teams had expressed interest in Williams, including the Brooklyn Nets. Williams had said all along that he wanted to return to Charlotte.

Williams spent his first seven seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. The Hornets lost guard Courtney Lee later Saturday when he agreed to a deal with the New York Knicks.