The Charlotte Hornets have exercised their fourth-year option on forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and its third-year option on forward Cody Zeller.

“We are excited to keep both of these young talents as part of our core for another season,” Rich Cho said in a statement.  “We have been very pleased with their improvement and look forward to seeing them continue to grow alongside the great group of guys we have in our locker room.” 

The second overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Kidd-Gilchrist has played in 140 career games over two seasons in Charlotte, averaging 8.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 25.2 minutes.

The fourth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Zeller played in all 82 games of his rookie season, averaging 6.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 17.3 minutes, earning Second Team All-Rookie honors.