Hornets trade Okafor, Ariza to Wizards for Rashard Lewis

[bessie_smith]

The New Orleans Hornets have agreed to trade center Emeka Okafor and swingman Trevor Ariza to the Washington Wizards for forward Rashard Lewis and a second-round pick in next week's draft, a league source confirmed.

The Hornets will part with two starters but create more financial flexibility in the trade. Okafor and Ariza will make a combined $43

Comments

[sauce1977]

They had to make room for Anthony Davis at the very least, is how I see it. If they buy him out, yeah, huge dump. Could still be trade bait come next deadline.

[fsfwannabe]

They're going to buy out Lewis and really, Davis wouldn't be that killer of a contract for them (5.5 per based on Irving's deal last year).

It is dumping 20.7 million for the next two seasons for one season of liability at 14 million. This for a team that has 38 million of cap room committed 7 players (depending on what they do with Eric Gordon and before they dump Lewis).

In theory, they could turn this into free agents to play with, but fuck, it's New Orleans.

[sauce1977]

You know, I thought they still had Kaman for another year. You guys are right, they're just clearing space.

[fsfwannabe]

What I'm really wondering is for what?

To boat Eric Gordon? Is there a franchise changing free agent out there that is itching to take his talents to Louisiana?