August 2, 2005
Hornets Acquire Butler, Snyder
Butler
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Snyder
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“Our cap flexibility is what allowed us to get these two players as part of this deal,” said Hornets General Manager Allan Bristow. “We were able to acquire two young, quality players while only giving up the rights to a player who has never appeared in a Hornets uniform.”
Butler has played all three of his NBA seasons with the Miami Heat and holds career averages of 6.9 points and 2.2 rebounds in 182 games. He averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 65 games with the Heat last season while shooting .373 (57-153) from three-point range. The 6-7 forward scored in double figures 18 times and was the Heat’s leading scorer off the bench.
“Rasual has shown a lot of promise during his first three years in the NBA and he will help us immediately at the small forward position,” said Bristow. “He will get a chance to play more minutes here and continue to develop his overall game while continuing to provide shooting, athleticism and defense.”
Butler was originally selected by the Heat in the second round (53rd pick overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft. The product of LaSalle averaged career highs of 7.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 72 games as a rookie with the Heat in 2002-03. Butler averaged 6.8 points and 1.4 rebounds while shooting .463 (50-108) from three-point range during his sophomore season in 2003-04.
Snyder completed his rookie season with the Jazz in 2004-05, averaging 5.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 68 games. He was selected by the Jazz with the 16th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. The 6-6 guard finished fifth among all rookies with a .353 (30-85) three-point percentage and averaged 8.6 points in seven games as a starter.
“Kirk had a solid rookie season for the Jazz and we look for him to continue his progress with us,” said Bristow. “We had our eye on him in last year’s draft and are very aware of his capabilities and potential.”
The Hornets originally acquired the rights to Duenas from Chicago in exchange for the 45th pick in the 2001 NBA Draft on June 14, 2001. Duenas, who was selected by Chicago with the 58th overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, never appeared on the Hornets’ roster.
The rest of the trade is as follows: Miami receives Antoine Walker (from Boston) and Jason Williams, James Posey and Andre Emmitt (from Memphis); Memphis receives Eddie Jones (from Miami) and Raul Lopez (from Utah); Utah receives Greg Ostertag (from Memphis); Boston receives Curtis Borchardt (from Utah) and Qyntel Woods, the draft rights to Albert Miralles, two second round draft picks and cash considerations (from Miami).
