Hornets Trade First Round Pick To Trail Blazers

The New Orleans Hornets, in a pre-draft move, have shipped their #27 pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for cash considerations, according to Brett Martel of the Associated Press and confirmed by a source familiar with the transaction; the deal awaits league approval and may not become a reality until Thursday’s NBA draft has commenced.  Portland already owns the 13th selection and by adding the 27th pick, they will have 5 selections in this year’s draft; Hornets general manager Jeff Bower declined to confirm the deal, but mentioned how accepting cash would benefit the Hornets as opposed to holding onto their pick (Folks, read that as this being a done deal).

The trade no doubt indicates that rebuilding in the Big Easy is over and coach Byron Scott has only 2 years remaining on his current contract, so a sense of urgency is out there.  With a starting lineup that consists of Chris Paul, David West, Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler - and probably Morris Peterson - the Hornets are primed to make a championship run next season.  Also factor in that with no incoming rookies, the cash received from Portland will probably be used to go after a decent player in free agency; as of Wednesday (today), the Hornets do not own a second-round pick, as it was traded to Houston last season as part of a deal that sent Bobby Jackson to Houston in exchange for Bonzi Wells and Mike James.