NBA: Wizards acquire Okafor, Ariza, send Lewis to New Orleans

The Washington Wizards and the New Orleans Hornets kicked off the NBA off-season by completing a trade that sends defensive specialists Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza from New Orleans to Washington in exchange for sharpshooter Rashard Lewis and the 46th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, both teams announced Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time). “First, we want to thank Emeka and Trevor for their service on and off the court for our organization. Both of those gentlemen are good players and better people that will be missed,” Hornets general manager Dell Demps said in a statement. “We are rebuilding our team and this is one step in our new direction. This trade will provide an opportunity for our young players to develop and create flexibility to add to our core group moving forward.” Lewis figured in just 28 games of this past lockout-shortened 66 game season, and averaged 7.8 points on 38.5 percent shooting, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.8 steals, as injuries prevented him from being effective on the court. He has career averages however, of 16.1 points on 45.4 percent shooting, 38.8 percent from beyond the arc, along with 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks. What really makes Lewis intriguing for the Hornets though is his contract. Lewis is in the last year of a $23.8 million deal, and could be interested in a buyout that makes him a free agent, and gives New Orleans additional salary cap flexibility to either add to their roster or extend their young star Eric Gordon. For Washington, on the other hand, it's all about a shift in tone of the team, from offense to defense. "We are pleased to add two more solid pieces as we continue to build our roster with a balance of proven veterans and the core of young talent that we have developed," said Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld. "Emeka's defensive presence and rebounding ability will combine with Trevor’s versatility to add new dimensions to our frontcourt, and both players fit in very well with the type of team-first culture that we have been working to establish." Ariza normed 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals, while Okafor averaged 9.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.0 blocks, in the 2011-12 season. Both are considered defensive specialists, Ariza on the perimeter, while Okafor, a former second overall draft pick in 2004, in the interior. The Wizards also hope that these veterans, along with big man Nene, acquired last February before the trade deadline, will give rising point guard John Wall some options on offense. Okafor has two more years and roughly $28 million remaining on his contract, while Ariza is owed $7.2 million this year, with a player option in the 2013-14 season for $7.7 million. - AMD, GMA News