The New Orleans Hornets and forward Carl Landry have agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal.

Dell Demps, the Hornets' general manager, confirmed that Landry would return Thursday.

Landry's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told The Associated Press that Landry agreed to only a one-year deal because of the "uncertain ownership situation" in New Orleans. The NBA owns the Hornets franchise, and commissioner David Stern indicated Wednesday night that he sexpects the team will be sold sometime in first quarter of 2012.

The fifth-year pro out of Purdue was reportedly linked to New Jersey and Portland as a free agent but chose to stay in New Orleans where he is expected to be a regular starter for the first time in his pro career.

Bartelstein told the AP that Landry feels comfortable playing under Hornets coach Monty Williams and that Demps convinced him to re-sign.

Landry (6-9, 245) averaged 11.9 points and 4.6 rebounds last season with the Kings and Hornets. After coming over from Sacramento in a trade that sent guard Marcus Thornton to the King, Landry replaced David West as in the starting lineup late last season after West suffered a season-ending knee injury.

After West signed a two-year, $20 million contract earlier in the week with the Pacers, the door opened wider for Landry with the Hornets.