The Washington Wizards acquired New Orleans center Emeka Okafor from the New Orleans Hornets.
The Wizards will also receive Trevor Ariza with Rashard Lewis and Washington's 46th pick in next week's draft going the other way.
"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," Washington Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said.
"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."
The arrival of Okafor and Ariza will increase the Wizards' defensive capabilities as Washington tries to build a team around former No 1 pick John Wall. Okafor joins Brazilian center Nene to add more bulk to the roster, after the big man's move from the Denver Nuggets in the middle of last season.
Okafor, the No 2 pick in the 2004 draft, has a career average of 12.7 point and 10.1 rebounds per game and averaged 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds last season. Ariza averaged 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds the previous season. Washington also has the No 3 pick in the upcoming draft.
"Rashard unfortunately was injured while he was with us, and he didn't get an opportunity to show the kinds of things he was capable of doing. ... He had a very hefty buyout in his contract, and we elected to add a couple of players to the roster by using his contract," Grunfeld told the Associated Press.
The move leaves the Hornets a lot of cap space and also gives projected No 1 pick Anthony Davis the opportunity to occupy Okafor's position. It is understood the Hornets will waive Lewis before July 1. Lewis is on the final year of a six-year 118 million contract.
"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," general manager Dell Demps said.
"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."
