May 28, 2008 - 4:58 PM
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The reigning NBA Coach of the Year, Scott has an option year remaining on the three-year contract he signed in June 2006. Scott can opt out of the contract, although he would have to pay $2 million.
But an opt-out would be an unlikely move from Scott, who guided the Hornets to a franchise-record 56 wins and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs this season.
"Signing Byron to a contract extension remains one of our top priorities this summer," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said in a statement. "We're confident that a deal can be reached because both sides want the same thing.
"Byron has expressed that he wants to be here, and we want to retain one of the best coaches in the NBA."
Scott likely is seeking a deal that would put him among the highest-paid coaches in the NBA.
Under Scott's watch, the Hornets captured their first Southwest Division title this past season. New Orleans' 56-26 record was the second-best mark in the highly competitive Western Conference and an 18-game improvement over last season.
After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, the Hornets ultimately were ousted by the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in seven games.
Scott, 47, has compiled a 151-177 record since taking the Hornets job prior to the 2004-05 season.
Just three years removed from a dismal 18-64 campaign, the Hornets have emerged as one of the NBA's most exciting teams thanks to the brilliant play of point guard Chris Paul, the runner-up for this season's NBA Award.
Paul and fellow All-Star David West headlined a Hornets squad which ranked in the top 10 in both team scoring and team defense this past season - achievement that several players have attributed to Scott.
Scott joined the Hornets after 3 1/2 seasons with the New Jersey Nets, a stretch in which he compiled a 149-139 record and took the Nets to two consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
