With trade rumors continuing to swirl around All-Star center Dwight Howard, in an unexpected development, the Orlando Magic are in advanced talks with the New Orleans Hornet about a sign-and-trade deal for Orlando forward, Ryan Anderson.
According to the Times-Picayune, the Orlando Magic are willing to send Anderson to New Orleans for 27-year old center, Gustavo Ayon. Anderson would receive a 4-year contract worth $36 million from the Hornets.
Anderson, 24, had a career year in the 2011-12 season, averaging 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the three-point line. He has a threatening deep range game and has emerged as a very productive player after moving into a full-time starting role. Last season Anderson won the 2012 Most Improved Player award.
Ayon just completed his first year in the NBA last season with the Hornets. He posted averages of 5.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game. He's expected to receive $1.5 million in the 2012-13 season and $1.5 million in the 2013-14 NBA season.
As with all league business, Sunday's trade can't be consummated until Wednesday, which is the first day new NBA contracts can be signed for the 2012-13 season.
The trade for Anderson is not expected to preclude the Hornets from matching the four-year offer sheet worth nearly $60 million that the Phoenix Suns have agreed to give Hornets restricted free agent Eric Gordon.
The drafting of Davis and forthcoming arrival of Anderson all but guarantees that Hornets big men Chris Kaman and Carl Landry will be moving on to new teams as free agency continues to unfold.
