The New Orleans Hornets will trade shooting guard Rasual Butlertoday to the Los Angeles Clippersfor a future conditional second-round draft pick, a league source confirmed on Wednesday.
The Hornets later officially announced the trade.
The swap gives the Hornets some financial flexibility - Butler was scheduled to earn $3.945 million this season - as well as potentially opens up minutes at the position for Julian Wright, Morris Petersonand rookie Marcus Thornton.
Peterson was the starting two guard last season before early injuries opened the spot for Butler, who seized the moment by having arguably his best NBA season.
Butler averaged 11.2 points per game and 3.3 rebounds, while playing every game for the Hornets last season.
Wright was impressive for the Hornets' summer league team in Las Vegas last month, as was Thornton, whom the Hornets traded a future second-round pick to the Miami Heat on draft night to acquire.
"Today's move allows us to increase our financial flexibility while at the same time gives us an opportunity to improve at that position," Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said in a news releast. "Due to the depth we have, it will allow us to open up minutes and opportunities for Julian Wright, Morris Peterson and rookie Marcus Thornton, all of whom we anticipate great contributions from this season."
Butler spent four years with the Hornets. He was obtained by New Orleans in the summer of 2005.
Solid pickup by the Clips!
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