Apr 23, 2006 5:37 AM EST

According to The Times-Picayune, Hornet free agent Speedy Claxton has instructed his agent Bill Duffy to start negotiations with the Hornets before exploring other offers.

"We've got some great guys, and I've made a bunch of friendships here," Claxton said. "Hopefully, I can come back and continue it."

Claxton could demand a three-year deal, worth between $3.6 million to $6 million per season.

Via The Times-Picayune